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THE STORY OF BAYARD 




AND HIS CREST AND PLUME WERE BORNE AWAY ON THE I'OINT OF HIS ADVERSARY'S 

LANCE 



STORY OF BAYA 



EDITED BY 

AMY G, ANDREWES 



WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS BY 

V. LECOMTE 



NEW YORK 

JOHN LANE COMPANY 

MGMX 






This Edition is founded on the 
•* Histoire du Bon Chevalier Bayard, 
by the ^^ Loyal Sei-viteurJ" 



WAR 5 till 



CONTENTS 



CHAP. PAGE 

I. THE BOY'S CHOICE - . . . . . I 

IL THE PAGE II 

III. TOUCHING THE SHIELDS I9 

IV. IN GARRISON IN PICARDY 29 

V. FORNOVO — AND AFTER 37 

VI. CAPTURED AT HILAN 47 

VII. THE DUEL $7 

VIII. THE COMBAT OF THE THIRTEEN . . . 66 

IX. THE BRIDGE 73 

X. BEFORE PADUA . . . . . . .82 

XI. THE END OF THE SIEGE . . . . . QI 

XII. BAYARD AND POPE JULIUS lOO 

XIII. THE ASTROLOGER . . . . . . . HO 

XIV. THE LADIES OF BRESCIA I18 

XV. RAVENNA I27 

XVI. HENRY VIII. . , . . . . . . 136 

XVII. FRANCIS I. , .144 

XVIII. THE DEATH OF BAYARD . . . • 1 54 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

AND HIS CREST AND PLUME WERE BORNE AWAY ON 
THE POINT OF HIS ADVERSARY'S LANCE 

Frontispiece 

FACING PAGE 

WHEN HE FELT THE NOBLE ANIMAL BOUNDING UNDER 

HIM, HIS COURAGE ROSE EVEN HIGHER . . ^ 

AGAIN THE ORDER WAS GIVEN, " PIQUE, PIQUE ENCORE 

UN coup" 17 

BAYARD, WHO HAD KEPT HIS PONIARD IN HIS HAND 
DURING THE WHOLE COMBAT, PIERCED HIM WITH 
IT TO THE BRAIN, CRYING " SURRENDER ! " . . 65 

"l WOULD GIVE A HUNDRED THOUSAND FLORINS TO 

HAVE A DOZEN SUCH AS YOU ! " - . . ■ 9© 

"YOU WILL BE RICH IN HONOUR AND IN VIRTUE, 
ABOVE ALL THE CAPTAINS OF FRANCE, . . . BUT 
YOU WILL DIE IN WAR WITHIN TWELVE YEARS 
AT THE latest" II3 

"SIRE, I DO NOT OWN THAT, AND I WOULD LAY THE 

MATTER BEFORE THE EMPEROR AND YOURSELF '' . 143 

WHEN HE FELT THE BLOW, HE CRIED ''JESUS!" AND 

THEN ''HELAS! MON DIEU, JE SUIS MORT" • . I56 



Vll 



THE STORY OF BAYARD 



CHAPTER I 

THE BOY^S CHOICE 

ATO namC; apart from legend, better conveys 
-*- ^ the idea of knightly courage and chivalrous 
honour combined with purity of life, than that of 
Bayard ; but possibly there are some who do 
not know very much more of him than his 
general character, and his well-known motto— 
'^ Without fear and without reproach." 

Let us then try to very simply tell some 
portions of his story, just pausing to remark 
how we get these particulars of his life and 
adventures. They are recorded by a man who 
calls himself his '' Loyal Serviteur," a man who 
sa3''s so little of himself in his anxiety to hand 
down his master's unblemished character to 
posterity, that we do not even know his name 
for certain. We do know that he was Bayard's 
secretary, and probably a soldier also, perhaps 
an archer, and his name is thought to have been 



2 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Jacques de Mailles. Many in his place would 
have been tempted to speak of themselves, 
especially as no doubt he did share in many of 
the warlike scenes he describes. Not so the 
^' Loyal Serviteur ; " he is content to efface him- 
self, if only his master is appreciated. 

One other thing we must remember. It was 
the age of Chivalry still, the age of brave knights 
and fair ladies, of jousts and tournaments, and 
not only that, but the knights (or chevaliers) 
still recognized they were bound amongst other 
things, ''to speak the truth, to maintain the 
right, to protect the distressed, to practise 
courtesy, and to vindicate their honour in 
every perilous adventure." No doubt many 
failed to carry out these rules, and there was 
much of cruelty and violence ; for while most 
knights were sans peur, few were entirely sans 
reproche. Now no one better illustrates the 
good and noble side of Chivalry than Bayard, 
the Good Chevalier. 

We must go back to the year 1489, or there- 
abouts, when Charles VIII. was King of France, 
and Henry VII. King of England. In the old 
frontier province of Dauphiny and some few 
miles from Grenoble, an ancient and noble 
family lived in the Castle of Bayard. Their name 
was du Terrail, Bayard being only a ''place- 
name " from the Castle and estates of Bayard. 



THE BOY'S CHOICE 3 

The du Terrails were a fighting race, though 
at the time we are speaking of, the head of the 
family was over eighty, and had been so severely 
wounded in battle that he could not now leave 
his Castle. Five generations before him had 
fallen on the field of battle, one at Poitiers and 
one at Agincourt. Little wonder therefore that 
this old man often spoke of the daring deeds of 
bygone times to his four young sons. George, 
his eldest son, was about nineteen, and Pierre 
(the subject of this history) was rather over 
thirteen, when the Lord of Bayard called them 
and also his two younger sons into his presence. 
Their mother, a most ^' godly and devout " lady 
was with him. Then the eldest son was asked 
what he wished to be, as his father was anxious 
to know before he died, and he felt that death 
was not far off. The answer was to the effect 
that he wished never to leave home, but to serve 
his father to the end of his days. 

^' Ah well ! " said the father. '' George, since 
thou lovest home, thou shalt remain to combat 
with our daily life." 

Then it was Pierre's turn, who stood by 
smiling, awaiting no doubt the question, for he 
instantly replied in a speech which must have 
been prepared beforehand, ending with the 
words — 

'' I will be, if it please you, in the same estate 



4 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

in which you and your ancestors have been, and 
follow the pursuit of arms. For it is the one 
thing in this world that I most desire ; and I 
trust, by God's help, to bring you no dishonour." 

His father was affected almost to tears at his 
choice, and prayed God to bless him. He told 
Pierre he was like his grandfather, who was one 
of the most accomplished knights in Christendom, 
and that he would endeavour to help him to his 
desire. 

The two younger boys both chose to become 
Ecclesiastics. Of these we shall not hear again, 
but follow the fortunes of Pierre only. 

We can imagine how the old Lord of Bayard 
would turn it in his mind how best he could help 
the son who had chosen his own profession of 
arms ; so the next day we find him sending over 
to his brother-in-law, the good and wise Bishop 
of Grenoble, to beg him to come and see him, 
for he had many things to say to him. The 
Bishop, who never delayed if he could give 
pleasure to others, set off almost as soon as he 
got the summons, and found his brother-in-law 
sitting by the fire. Several other gentlemen of 
Dauphiny joined them, but nothing seems to- 
have been settled that night except the pro- 
ceedings of the next day. 

The following morning the Bishop chanted 
Mass, and after that the party placed themselves 



THE BOY^S CHOICE 5 

at table, where, according to the custom in noble 
houses at that time, the sons assisted to serve, 
Pierre performing his part so carefully and 
diligently that all the guests remarked on it. 
When dinner was over and grace had been said, 
the Lord of Bayard addressing the company 
said— 

*' God has given me four sons ; of each one 
have I inquired what he would wish to be. My 
son Pierre has told me that he will follow the 
career of arms ; the which has given me strange 
pleasure. ... It is needful for me to place him, 
as a beginning, in the household of some prince 
or lord, that he may there learn to behave 
himself with courtesy and, when more advanced 
in years, may learn the use of arms. I therefore 
do entreat each one of you to give me counsel 
in his behalf as to whom I may best place him 
with." 

Then followed various pieces of advice. One 
said that he must be sent to the King of France ; 
another that he should be attached to the House 
of Bourbon. Every one recommended some 
different course. The Bishop of Grenoble spoke 
last, and he advised placing Pierre with Duke 
Charles of Savoy. Savoy was a neighbouring 
province, and they were all faithful adherents of 
the Duke, who was at that time at Chambery 
not far distant, and who he believed would 



6 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

consent to take the boy as his page. And then 
the good uncle gave not only advice, but very 
prompt and practical help; for, said he, in 
conclusion — 

'' If it seem good to you and to the company, 
I will conduct him there at morn to-morrow, 
after having well equipped him with a good and 
serviceable horse, the which I purchased but a 
few days since from the Lord of Uriage." 

This suggestion was approved by all those 
present, and by none more than the Lord of 
Bayard, who, placing his son before the Bishop, 
said — 

^' Here, my Lord, and I pray to God the boy 
may do you honour throughout his life." 

What Pierre felt at the arrangements made 
for him is not recorded; perhaps it can be 
imagined. Then the Bishop (who evidently was 
not one to do things by halves) sent messengers 
to Grenoble to summon a most important 
personage, namely a tailor, who was to bring 
velvet and satin and proper materials to make 
the necessary equipment for a page. Very hard 
that tailor had to work, but by sitting up all 
night, everything was in readiness by the next 
morning. 

Accordingly after breakfast all the gentlemen 
of the company assembled in the inner court of 
the Castle to see Pierre present himself on 




WHEN HE FELT THE NOBLE ANIMAL BOUNDING UNDER HIM, HIS COURAGE ROSE 

HIGHER 



THE BOY'S CHOICE 7 

horseback, in the same manner as he hoped to 
present himself to the Duke of Savoy. The 
horse was no doubt a spirited one, and capari- 
soned after the cumbrous fashion of that time, 
and the young rider in his new suit and spurs 
might well have found it hard to sit him. More- 
over, the horse finding he had such a light 
weight on his back, and being pricked with the 
spurs, plunged violently four or five times, so 
that the spectators feared the boy would be 
unseated, and quite expected him to cry out for 
help. But instead of that, when he felt the noble 
animal bounding under him, his courage rose 
even higher, and he used his spurs to compel 
it to circle round the court several times, ending 
by ^^ bringing it to reason." 

The old Lord could not conceal his joy and 
pride, and asked his son smilingly if he felt no 
fear, he who but fifteen days before had been at 
school. To which Pierre replied with much 
assurance that he hoped with God's help before 
six years had passed to be able to guide a horse 
in more dangerous places against enemies; 
here, he was only among friends. 

^'Now come, come," said the Bishop of 
Grenoble, who was ready to depart, '' my friend 
and nephew, dismount not, but take thus fare- 
well of all the company." 

After a formal little speech to his father and 



8 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

receiving his blessing, he took leave of all those 
there assembled; each one in turn, and they all 
saw with pleasure his happy countenance. But 
in the meantime his poor mother, though she 
rejoiced at the prospect that lay before her son, 
was weeping for sorrow at losing him, in one of 
the towers of the Castle. However, when a 
message was brought to her, that he was 
mounted and ready for departure if she wished 
to see him before he left, she showed great 
presence of mind, and neglected nothing that 
might help him. She left the tower, and 
advancing to meet him, thus addressed him — 

^'Pierre, my child, you are going into the 
service of a noble prince — I command three 
things of you. The first is, that above all things 
you shall love and fear God's service. Neither 
offend Him if it be possible ; for it is He That 
created us all, it is He That makes us live, it is 
He That saves us, and without Him and His 
grace we are unable to do one good thing in 
this world. Each night and each morning 
recommend yourself to Him, and He will assist 
you. The second is, that you are gentle and 
courteous unto all men, keeping yourself from 
all pride. Be humble and useful to all men. Be 
neither a liar nor a slanderer. Be sober both 
in eating and drinking. Fly from envy, for it 
is an ugly vice. Be neither a flatterer nor a 



THE BOY'S CHOICE 9 

tale-bearer. ... Be loyal in word and deed. Be 
a man of your word. Help poor widows and 
orphans, and God will reward you. And thirdly, 
that with the goods that God gives to you, you 
show charity to the poor and needy ; for giving to 
God's honour impoverishes no man ; and believe 
me, my child, that such charities will profit you 
both in body and in soul. That is all wherewith 
I charge you. I much think that your father 
and I will not live long time further. May God 
give us at least the happiness whilst we live of 
always hearing good tidings of you." 

Excellent advice, and though possibly at the 
time any delay may have chafed the ardent spirit 
of the future page, yet we may be sure he laid 
the advice to heart, and allowed no symptoms 
of impatience to appear in the little speech in 
which he thanked his mother humbly for her 
good teaching, which he hoped to follow faith- 
fully by the grace of God, so as to content her. 
Then recommending himself most humbly to 
her good graces, he bade her farewell. 

The good lady showed she could not only 
give wise counsel, but was as practical as her 
brother the Bishop of Grenoble ; for she drew 
out of her sleeve a little purse, which contained 
but six crowns in gold, and one in silver, 
probably all she had to spare, and presented 
it to Pierre. Then she called one of the Bishop's 



10 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

attendants, and gave him a small box packed 
with linen for her son's use, and begged him to 
put it in the charge of the servant of the esquire 
under whom he should be placed, and provided 
two crowns to be given to this servant. How 
like many and many a mother since, who has 
packed her son's wardrobe for his first start in 
life with tearful eyes and an anxious heart ! 

At this moment the Bishop having taken 
leave of all, called his nephew to mount — for he 
must have dismounted when his mother spoke 
to him — and Pierre sprang again upon his horse 
in the highest spirits, believing himself '' in 
Paradise." 

It was a Saturday, rather after mid-day, when 
they started from the Castle of Bayard, taking 
the straight 'road into Chambery, the capital of 
Savoy, where Duke Charles held his Court. 
The distance was not very great, for Chambery 
was reached that same evening. 

The Bishop, and no doubt Pierre, lodged at 
the house of a well-known citizen, but the 
would-be page was not presented to the Duke 
till the following day. So here let us leave him, 
full of hope and courage and virtuous resolves, 
which in his case were destined to blossom forth 
into heroic deeds and virtuous actions. 



CHAPTER II 

THE PAGE 

n^HE travellers having left the Castle of Bayard 
-^ in good time on that eventful Saturday in 
Pierre's existence were able to reach Chambery 
before nightfall, Chambery being in the diocese 
of Grenoble, the Bishop was met by his clergy 
and conducted by them into the city and to his 
lodgings at the house of a ''notable citizen." 

Duke Charles I. of Savoy was then in his 
capital; he had been informed of the Bishop's 
arrival; and the next morning, when the latter 
went to the Court to pay his reverence, he was 
received with all honour. When he performed 
Mass the Duke was present, and in the course 
of the day they dined together. During the 
repast Pierre, in his capacity of page, served his 
uncle with wine, and the Duke asked who his 
young attendant was. 

"Sir," replied the Bishop, ''he is the man- 
at-arms I desire to present to you, but he is 
not now prepared for the introduction." 

II 



12 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

The Duke signified his assent; and the 
moment the dinner was ended Pierre (having 
been previously warned by his uncle) rushed 
away regardless of the dainty morsels which 
would have fallen to his share when his betters 
were served. He saddled his well-groomed 
charger, and properly equipped he mounted 
and rode at a slow pace into the courtyard of 
the palace where the Duke was then sitting in 
a gallery looking down on him. The Bishop 
must have noted with pleasure the admiring 
surprise with which Duke Charles watched the 
boy, who indeed looked little more than a child, 
manage his horse with an ease and grace which 
many a full-grown man might have envied ; and 
no doubt he replied with some pride to the 
question as to whether the youthful horseman 
was his protege. 

^'Yes, my Lord, he comes of a race of noble 
knights. His father cannot come before you 
himself on account of his age and the effects of 
wounds received in many battles. He humbly 
presents his son to you and recommends him 
to your kindness." 

The Duke accepted the present most willingly, 
and ordered one of his esquires of the stable to 
take young Bayard under his care, prophesying 
that he would one day turn out well. 

Six months passed, and never was page more 



THE PAGE 13 

successful in his opening career. He excelled 
in horsemanship, in jumping, wrestling, and 
putting the stone, and moreover, he was loved 
by every one, lords and ladies, and by his 
inferiors as well as by his superiors. 

One day the Duke decided to go from 
Chambery to Lyons to see the King of France ; 
for Charles VIII. was then holding his court 
in that city surrounded by a gay throng. Life 
was pleasant there, for the King was a young 
man and one of the most courteous and liberal 
of princes. It may be remarked in passing that 
he had had great disadvantages as a boy. His 
father, Louis XL, had kept him almost a prisoner 
in the castle of Amboise, and had given him 
no instructors ; so that when he ascended the 
throne at the age of fourteen he could not even 
read. For a time he wisely applied himself to 
study, but he was easily led into a life of 
pleasure by companions who did not approve of 
too studious a king. Whatever his short-comings, 
he was, nevertheless, very popular personally. 

When he heard of the approach of his noble 
vassal the Duke of Savoy, he sent the Lord de 
Ligny, who was related to both the Royal family 
and the Duke, to meet him, accompanied by 
gentlemen and archers. In the course of their 
ride towards Lyons, the Lord de Ligny 
remarked — 



14 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

*^ My Lord; you have a well-mounted page, 
and what is more, he knows how to manage his 
horse." 

^' By my faith," replied the Duke, '^ it is 
barely six months since the Bishop of Grenoble 
gave him to me, but I have never seen a boy of 
his age so excel both on horseback and on foot. 
Let me tell you, my Lord and cousin, that he 
comes of a race of brave and gallant men, whom 
I believe he will resemble." 

Then, turning to Pierre, he desired him to 
show off his horsemanship, which so impressed 
the Lord de Ligny that he exclaimed — 

^' If you take my advice you will give both 
page and horse to the King ; the horse is a noble 
one, and the page is worth even more." 

Thus talking they entered the city of Lyons, 
where the streets were crowded with men, and 
the windows were full of ladies eager to see the 
goodly procession pass. 

The following morning the Duke presented 
himself at the Court, and was received in a most 
friendly way by the King. They attended Mass 
together, at the Convent of the Cordeliers, and 
afterwards the Duke was invited to join the 
Royal party at dinner. During the repast the 
conversation touched on many topics — dogs, 
birds, feats of arms, and love — and the Lord de 
Ligny spoke of the wonderful page, who 



THE PAGE 15 

managed his horse like a man of thirty rather 
than a boy of fourteen, and he asked if the King 
would be willing to hear Vespers at Ainay 
and afterwards see the page ride in the plain 
there. The King agreed, and asked the Duke 
who had given him this page, receiving the 
reply that he had been brought to him by the 
Bishop of Grenoble some six months ago, and 
that the lad came of a valiant family of 
Dauphiny. 

Pierre was not present, but the news was 
soon given him that the King wished to see him 
ride. He could not have felt more delight if he 
had taken the city of Lyons, and he went off 
immediately to the master-groom of the Duke 
(Pizou de Chenas by name) and said — 

^' My friend and master, I hear the King 
wishes to see me on my palfrey after dinner ; I 
beseech of you to put him in good order, and I 
will gladly give you my short dagger." 

Pierre was evidently a favourite of the 
master-groom, for he answered— 

'' Bayard, my friend, keep your dagger. I 
thank you, but I will not take it Go and wash 
and dress yourself, you will find your horse 
all ready. God willing, you shall please the 
King. He is able to advance you, and who 
knows, if some day, with God's help, you may 
not be as great a man as I wish." 



16 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Pierre then accoutred himself with great 
care and awaited the summons which did not 
fail to come. In the early afternoon the esquire 
under whose charge he had been placed, came 
with the message that he was to proceed to the 
plain of Ainay, having been given by the Duke 
to the King; who wished to see him ride ; and 
the esquire ended in a vexed tone— 

^' I do not regret your advancement, but, by 
my faith, I am grieved to lose you." 

Both the esquire and Pierre then mounted 
their horses, the latter's being most perfectly 
groomed and accoutred, and they rode to the 
plain of Ainay, there to await the King and his 
gay company, who came by boat down the river 
Saone. When the King had disembarked and 
reached the plain of Ainay, he saw at once 
Pierre mounted and the esquire beside him and 
called out — 

''Page, my friend. Put spurs to your horse.*' 

Never was order more promptly obeyed. 
Pierre galloped as if his whole life had been 
spent in the saddle. At the end of the course he 
made his horse bound two or three times, 
then returned like lightning towards the King, 
pulling the animal up short at the proper point, 
and causing him to caracole round and round. 

Not only the King but all, the company were 
delighted, and again the order was given, 




AGAIN THE ORDER WAS GIVEN, " PU^UE, I'lQUE ENCORE UN COUP 



THE PAGE 17 

^' Pique, pique encore un coup." Then the other 
pages took up the word, and shouts of ^^ Piquez 
— piquez," were heard on all sides and earned 
Pierre for a considerable time the nickname ot 
^'Piquet." 

^^ Truly," the King remarked to the Duke, 
'' I see before my eyes what our cousin de Ligny 
reported at dinner. I will not wait for you to 
give me your page and his horse, but I will 
demand them." 

"Sire," replied the Duke, "you are my 
master, and what is mine must be yours. May 
he be able by the grace of God to do you good 
service." 

"By my faith," said the King, "he cannot 
possibly do otherwise than well. Cousin de 
Ligny, I give this page into your charge, but I 
do not wish him to lose his horse, which must 
be kept in your own stable." 

The Lord de Ligny thanked the King and 
was very pleased with this arrangement, for he 
thought he could make a man of Pierre who 
would reflect great credit on himself; and for- 
sooth the future many times showed the realiza- 
tion of this thought. 

The Duke of Savoy remained some time at 
Lyons, passing many gay days with the King 
and the Princes and Nobles of France. He felt 
at last that he must return to his own Duchy 



18 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

and asked leave to do so, which was reluctantly 
granted by the King. Even the best of company 
must needs separate one day, 

Pierre was only three years a page in the 
house of the Lord de Ligny, after which time, 
when he was seventeen, his master appointed 
him into his company, at the same time retaining 
him as one of the gentlemen of his household. 



CHAPTER III 

TOUCHING THE SHIELDS 

TTC T'E must pass over three years when it so 
^ ^ happened that, just at the time when 
Pierre's career as a page was ending, Charles 
VIII. was visiting the principal places in his 
kingdom, and came again to Lyons. 

During the Royal visit there came a certain 
gentleman of Burgundy, Claude de Vaudray by 
name, a well-known expert at all feats of arms, 
and he begged the King to allow him to arrange 
an assault of arms both on horseback and on 
foot, with lance and battle-axe. Permission 
being given, he hung up his shields, which all 
those desiring to engage in the contests were to 
touch, and to cause their names to be entered 
by the king-at-arms. It must be remembered 
that the word '' shield " is used in its heraldic 
meaning as bearing the coat of arms — an 
escutcheon. Pierre longed to touch these, but 
had not the means for the proper equipment, and 
he thought so deeply over the matter that a 

19 



20 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

friend of his in the household of the Lord de 
Ligny named Bellabre, asked him what was 
troubling him. When Bellabre, who was the 
elder of the two, learnt the truth he exclaimed — 

"Why do you trouble, my friend? Have 
you not the Abbot of Ainay for an uncle ? I vow 
we will go and find him, and if he will not 
provide a good sum we will take his cross and 
mitre ! . But I am sure, when he knows your 
wish, he will gladl}'- help you." 

Encouraged by these words, Pierre touched 
the shields. When he came to have his name 
entered; Montjoie the king-at-arms laughed at 
him. 

" Why, friend Piquet, you will not have a 
beard these three years, and you want to fight 
Messire Claude, one of the strongest and best 
known of knights ! " 

Pierre assured him it was not from conceit he 
wished to fight, but simply to learn the use of 
arms, so that he might "one day be able to 
uphold the honour of fair ladies." Montjoie was 
much amused, and soon all Lyons, including 
the King, knew that Piquet had touched the 
shields. 

But the difficulty now was to get the horses 
and the necessary costly equipment for the 
Chevalier Bayard, now but a day or so out of his 
pagehood. He and his friend Bellabre started 



TOUCHING THE SHIELDS 21 

early one morning by boat from Lyons to Ainay, 
not without the wish that the uncle in question 
had been the good Bishop of Grenoble, im- 
possible as it would have been to get to him and 
back in time. They found the Abbot in the 
meadows with one of his monks reciting the 
^' Hours." He saluted the youths rather coldly, 
for he guessed they had come for financial help, 
the news of. his nephew's enterprise having 
reached him also. His greeting was not en- 
couraging. 

'' How could you dare to touch the shields of 
Messire Claude de Vaudray, you, who but three 
days ago were a page, liable to be whipped for 
your conceit, and only seventeen years old ? " 

Bayard explained his reasons, but the Abbot 
continued — 

''Seek elsewhere for some one to lend you 
the money. That given by the founder of this 
Abbey is for the service of God, and not to be 
spent in jousts and tournaments." 

But Bellabre succeeded in convincing the 
Abbot that without the warlike prowess of his 
ancestors he himself would never have been 
Abbot of Ainay, and he gradually wrung a re- 
luctant promise to do something for his nephew. 
At last he took them to his own apartment, and 
opening a small safe, he took a hundred crowns 
from it, which he gave to Bellabre to buy two 



22 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

horses with, as he said the valiant man-at-arms 
was too young to be trusted with money. He 
further promised to write to Laurencin, a Lyons 
merchant, to furnish the necessary habiliments, 
never thinking these would cost him more than 
a hundred francs. The youths waited for the 
letter and then, after thanking the Abbot and 
taking leave of him, they rushed off to Laurencin ; 
for no limit had been put to the sum to be spent, 
and as Bellabre said — 

*^ You will be well equipped for your tour- 
ney, and for a year to spare, but be quick before 
the Abbot thinks of what he has done, or he will 
send some one after us. You may be sure 
you will never get anything more from your 
uncle." 

Bayard agreed as to the necessity for haste, 
and urging on their boatman they went straight 
to Laurencin. They found him in his shop, and 
Bellabre misrepresented the facts, saying the 
Abbot had sent for them, had given them break- 
fast and three hundred crowns for horses, and 
his generosity to his nephew was unlimited. We 
must hope Bayard was not a party to his friend's 
endeavours to help him ! However, the Abbot's 
letter spoke for itself, and when Laurencin had 
read it, he was all politeness, and gold and silver 
cloths, and brocades, and satins and velvets and 
silks were unfolded. The youths selected about 



>« 



TOUCHING THE SHIELDS 23 

seven or eight hundred francs worth, and sent for 
tailors to make them up. 

Meanwhile the Abbot soon after went to 
dinner where he had guests, and he told them of 
his nephew's folly, and how he had been obliged 
to give him the ''terrible present" of money, 
and a letter to Laurencin. His secretary ap- 
plauded his generosity, but thought it possible 
Laurencin might execute his commission so well 
that it would cost the Abbot as much as two 
thousand francs, if no sum was named. Much 
alarmed, the Abbot sent his steward at once to 
tell the merchant on no account to exceed the 
limit of a hundred and twenty francs, but it was 
too late and the steward was obliged to return 
with the news that six times that amount had 
been expended. 

Then the steward was sent to Bayard, to 
desire him to return to Laurencin all he had had 
from him, but he never found him at home, and 
was constantly put off with excuses for his 
absence. So after ten attempts he returned to 
his master. Possibly Bellabre had a hand in 
avoiding the steward, or we may imagine that 
the steward himself was not sorry that the young 
cavalier should have all that he needed. The 
Abbot of course was very angry, exclaiming, 
'' He is a bad boy, but he will repent it." 

Two good horses were bought from a 



24 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

gentleman unable to use them from an accident, 
and who from regard for Bayard let him have them 
at a very low price, that is to say for some ten 
crowns more than the Abbot had given. These 
preparations were only completed three days 
before the tournament began. So there had been 
no time to spare. 

Messire Claude began by setting forth the 
permission he had received from the King, and 
on a Monday morning many good and valiant 
gentlemen from the Royal household entered the 
lists against him, and many others, and needless 
to say every man exerted himself to the very 
utmost. According to the rules of the tourna- 
ment, as each knight finished what he attempted, 
he was led along the lists with visor raised, so 
that the spectators might see the faces of those 
who had done well or badly. 

Bayard, who was only in his eighteenth year, 
was still growing and was very thin and pale, 
but he entered the ranks to try and do as the 
others. This, his first essay, was a very hard 
one, for he had pitted himself against one of the 
most skilful and clever knights that ever lived. 
No one knows how it came about — whether 
God's providence helped him, or whether Messire 
Claude took a strange sort of pleasure in giving 
such a youthful antagonist an easy lesson — 
anyway he proved himself the best, both on 



TOUCHING THE SHIELDS 25 

horseback and on foot, of any of those who had 
competed with the expert. 

All the ladies of Lyons were loud in his 
praises, and when he in his turn had to ride along 
the lists with face uncovered, they much abashed 
him by saying in the patois of Lyons that the 
long thin boy had done the best of all. 

At supper that evening he was honoured by 
King Charles saying — 

'' By my faith, Piquet has made a beginning 
which I believe will lead to a good end." And 
he said to the Lord de Ligny — 

"I never made you so good a present, my 
cousin, as when I gave him to you." 

'' Sire," replied the Lord de Ligny, '' if he 
grows to be a great man, it were more to your 
honour than to mine — God grant he may so go 
on! But his uncle, the Abbot of Ainay, takes 
not much pleasure in it ! " 

And the King and all the company laughed 
heartily, for they knew how Bayard's accoutre- 
ments had been obtained. 

Some little time after the tournament, the 
Lord de Ligny called Bayard to him one morning 
and thus addressed him — 

^' Piquet, my friend, you have begun .with 
much good fortune, but the trade of arms 
requires to be learnt. I have put you in my 
company, and will retain you as one of my 



26 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

household with three hundred francs a year, 
and three horses with all they require. I wish 
you to join the garrison to see your com- 
panions. You will find them as brave men-at- 
arms as are to be met with in all Christendom. 
Various exercises, jousts and tournaments are 
held among them, to gain honour and to 
please the ladies. While waiting for news of 
war, you cannot do better than be amongst 
them." 

Bayard was very pleased, and thanked the 
Lord de Ligny for his interest in him, assuring 
him of his willingness to set forth on the 
morrow. This was agreed to. But first he had 
to take leave of the King, who spoke very kindly 
to him, and indeed Bayard was much embarrassed 
by all the Princes and Nobles crowding round 
him to wish him well, and to express their 
regret at his departure. The youth could not 
agree with them ; he was all impatience to be 
off. The King called one of his attendants who 
had charge of his coffers, and gave Bayard three 
hundred crowns, and also a fine charger from his 
own stable. 

The Lord de Ligny talked to him that even- 
ing as if he had been his father, and giving him 
much good advice, embraced him and bade him 
farewell. Then followed more farewells and 
presents; and it was late before Bayard could 



TOUCHING THE SHIELDS 27 

snatch a few hours' rest in preparation for start- 
ing early the next morning. 

His departure was no light matter. He took 
six great horses with his baggage, which were 
sent on first ; while he followed them with five 
or six fine coursers. His friend Bellabre accom- 
panied him part of the way, and after dining 
together they parted, but only for a short time, 
as Bellabre was intending to follow him in a few 
days. 

The journey was made in short stages, as 
some of the horses were led by hand. It took 
him three days to get to Aire, where he sent on 
one of his people to secure lodgings. When the 
gentlemen of the company learnt that Piquet 
was so near them, they nearly all mounted their 
horses to go and meet him, so much did they 
desire to greet a companion of whom all spoke 
so well. About an hundred and twenty young 
gentlemen met Bayard half a league from the 
town. 

There is no need to ask if he received a 
warm welcome. They conducted him, chatting 
most gaily, to the town, where many ladies were 
looking out of the windows for them. The 
name of '' Piquet" was well-known, and not one 
but was anxious to make his acquaintance. 
This of course was due to his late exploit ; for 
his temerity in touching the shields of that 



28 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

renowned warrior Messire Claude de Vaudray, 
and his steadiness and courage, when it came to 
the trial against that redoubtable knight, had 
earned him this popularity at the commence- 
ment of his garrison life. 



CHAPTER IV 
IN GARRISON IN PICARDY 

THE garrison town in Picardy, in which 
Bayard was now quartered, was Aire on 
the river Lys, some thirty miles south-east of 
Calais. When the gay party who escorted him 
through the town reached his ^' lodgement," 
they found the servants who had preceded 
them had supper in readiness, and Bayard 
invited some of his new friends to come in and 
join him in partaking of it. 

Among all the light-hearted youths assembled 
there, one, named Tardieu, was especially gay 
and full of spirits, and before supper was ended 
he thus addressed the new-comer — 

" Friend and companion, I warn you the 
ladies of this town are the most beautiful in 
Picardy. It is not probable that you have 
arrived here penniless ! Therefore, to attract 
notice and to gain popularity on your entering 
amongst us, I beg of you to give a prize for 

29 



30 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

feats of arms in the course of a week. It is long 
since we have had such a thing here." 

Bayard was nothing loth, provided their 
Captain granted leave and a trumpeter could be 
placed at his disposal. He was assured that 
Captain Louis d'Ars would be sure to give leave 
on his return in four days' time, and if he did not 
Tardieu would take the blame on himself So 
behold Bayard, who had barely joined the 
garrison an hour, embarked on the arduous 
business of arranging an assault of arms ! We 
must glance at his first proclamation, which was 
all written out, when Tardieu called on him 
(with the trumpeter) the next morning. 

" Pierre de Bayard, young gentleman and 
learner in the use of arms, native of Dauphiny — 
proclaims a tournament to be held near the 
walls outside Aire, on the twentieth of July, 
open to all comers. Three lance-thrusts with 
sheathed and blunted lances, and twelve sword- 
thrusts, all on horseback in full armour. The 
prize to be a gold bracelet enamelled with the 
colours of the said Bayard, and costing thirty 
crowns. The second day will be for lance- 
thrusts on foot behind a barrier waist high, 
and blows with axes. The prize to be a 
diamond worth forty crowns." 

When Tardieu had read this he exclaimed 
that never Lancelot, Tristan or Gawain did 



IN GARRISON IN PICARDY 31 

better (so we see he knew about the Knights of 
the Round Table) ; and the trumpeter was forth- 
with desired to go through the town, and then to 
all the garrisons within three days' journey. 
When Captain d'Ars returned, he was so far 
from objecting that he became one of the judges 
on the occasion. 

On the eventful day there were forty-six com- 
petitors, divided into two even ranks of twenty- 
three, and the trumpet sounded the signal to 
begin. Bayard was immediately challenged by 
a bold gentleman of Dauphiny, Tartarin, and 
after that, Bellabre was challenged by Captain 
David, a Scotchman, and so in twos and twos 
they all jousted in their order, and at the end of 
the first day the four we have mentioned, and 
Tardieu, were pronounced to have done the 
best, though all did well. Then followed a 
merry supper given by Bayard, to which ladies 
were invited, ending with dances and other 
amusements. 

The next day Bayard begged Captain Louis 
d'Ars and the company of the preceding even- 
ing to dine with him, and his invitation was 
accepted. But first they all went to hear Mass, 
and afterwards each young gentleman gave his 
arm to a lady and escorted her back to dinner. 
We must remember that dinner was in the 
morning, and in the time of Francis I. even 



3g THE STORY OF BAYARD 

" persons of quality " did not dine later than ten* 
The following rhyme in use at this period tells 
of this custom — 

" Lever k cinq, diner k neuf, 
Souper k cinq, coucher k neuf, 
Fait vivre d'ans nonante et neuf." 

At about two o'clock the tournament began 
again, opened as before by Bayard, his antago- 
nist this time being a gentleman of Hainault, who 
at last was forced to " kiss the earth whether he 
would or no,'* and the judges cried, '' Hola, hola. 
Enough; withdraw." Afterwards came Bellabre, 
whose axe was eventually broken, then Tardieu 
against David the Scotchman, and the others in 
their order. 

It was seven o'clock before it was over, and 
the general opinion was that for so small a 
tournament it was one of the best that had ever 
been seen. After the supper, which again took 
place at Bayard's apartments, it was resolved 
to settle the contests by begging the judges to 
award the prizes. Several gentlemen experi- 
enced in arms were consulted by them, and 
afterwards the ladies also — all on their honour 
to show no favour or partiality. 

However, they unanimously declared that 
during the two days, though all had done 
excellently, the palm must be given to Bayard. 



IN GARRISON IN PICARDY 33 

Therefore the prizes were handed to him to be 
given as he should think fit. Then the trumpet 
sounded for silence, and one of the judges (not 
Captain Louis d'Ars) said — 

^'Gentlemen here assembled, and all those 
who have taken part in Messire Bayard's two 
days' tournament, I beg to announce the decision 
of my Lord of Ars and myself, the chosen 
judges, after having duly inquired of all the brave 
and honest gentlemen present, and also consulted 
these noble ladies. We find that every one has 
distinguished himself, but without disparaging 
any, the general opinion is, that the Lord of 
Bayard has proved himself the best during the 
two days. Therefore, these lords and ladies 
award him the honour of presenting the prizes 
to those he thinks most fit." Then turning to 
Bayard, he said, '' Decide, my Lord of Bayard, 
who are most worthy of them." 

Somewhat confused at first at having to be 
judge as well as competitor in his own tourna- 
ment, he hesitated, but soon replied modestly— 

^' My lord, I do not know by what favour this 
honour has fallen to my lot. I feel that many 
deserve it far more than I do, but since it is the 
wish of these lords and ladies that I should be 
the judge, I beg my companions, who are my 
superiors, not to be vexed at my decision. I 
award the prize of the first day to my Lord of 



34 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Bellabre, and that of the second day to Captain 
David the Scotchman." 

He then presented the prizes, neither man 
nor woman disputing his judgment ; and dancing 
and games concluded the day. Thus we may 
well imagine that the money given to him by 
the King and others on his leaving Lyons, was 
quickly spent in that gay and gallant company. 

Bayard remained two years in Picardy, where 
no one could compare with him in popularity. 
During that time he assisted at many tourna- 
ments and fetes, where he usually carried off the 
prizes. But the real reason why he was so 
beloved was because he was both gracious and 
generous in a remarkable degree. If perchance 
one of his companions lost a horse, he would 
remount him. As long as he had a crown it was 
at the service of his friends. And notwithstand- 
ing his youth, his first thought each day was the 
service of God. He gave much away in alms, 
and throughout his life no one could be found 
who could say that he had ever disregarded a 
request, or failed to grant a favour if it was in 
his power to do so. 

Life has a more serious side for a soldier 
than jousts, revels, and festivities, and while 
Bayard was in garrison in Picardy rumours of 
war were in the air, for Charles VHI. was 
planning the great enterprise of his reign, 



IN GARRISON IN PICARDY 35 

namely the conquest of the kingdom of Naples. 
The Loyal Serviteur says that the causes of this 
expedition are so fully recorded in other histories 
and chronicles that to detail them would only 
serve to weary the reader, and to spoil paper. 
However, it may be as well to say that Charles 
had a pretended claim on the kingdom of Naples, 
though perhaps he never would have gone to 
war to press this claim had it not been for 
Ludovico Sforza. This latter was uncle to the 
reigning Duke of Milan, and he wanted to 
destroy his nephew and get possession of the 
Duchy for himself He was, however, afraid to 
make any open attempt against the young Duke 
of Milan, who had married a grand-daughter of 
the King of Naples, and it suited his purposes to 
encourage Charles's ambitious projects, which 
possibly he was the first to put into his mind, 
and he urged him on to make an invasion of 
Naples. 

In vain all the most prudent advisers of the 
King in France endeavoured to dissuade him. 
He was bent on the enterprise, which after being 
constantly discussed for two years at the Royal 
Council, was at last, after many changes of 
plans, determined on. 

It was in the autumn of 1494, that the French 
army, but ill provided with money and pro- 
visions, set out. The Italian princes might 



36 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

easily have crushed this invasion at first, but 
they thought it would end in mere talk, and 
they made but little preparation to repel it. It 
seemed ''as if God had blinded their eyes and 
tied down their hands, and raised up this young 
prince to chastise them, who came with a small 
force, and was governed by a brainless council" 
(Mezerai). 

Soon after the arrival of the French troops, 
the young Duke of Milan died of poison which 
Ludovico Sforza had found means to give him, 
and he hastened to Milan and took possession 
of the Duchy. There were some who urged 
Charles to punish the usurper, but his whole 
mind was set on conquering Naples, and he was 
not to be turned from it. 

To return to Bayard, he was sent for by the 
Lord de Ligny, who accompanied the King, and 
who before he left desired his former page to 
leave his garrison work, and follow him to real 
warfare, knowing his courage and his virtues, 
and being unwilling to deprive him of any 
chance of distinguishing himself in sterner duty 
than he had as yet attempted. 



CHAPTER V 
FORNOVO— AND AFTER 

THE march of the King of France towards 
Naples was a triumphant one; wherever 
he went he proclaimed himself ''the friend of 
freedom, and the enemy of tyrants." Soon after 
the arrival of the French in Italy, the old King 
of Naples died, and his son fled in terror to 
Sicily, dreading their approach. The only small 
town which resisted Charles was treated with 
such violence that the whole district was panic- 
stricken, even the nobles as well as the people 
giving in their submission ; Naples was taken 
and Charles was welcomed with transports 
of joy. 

This state of things did not last long, the 
Pope, the Venetians, and Ludovico Sforza, now 
they no longer needed the French, wished to 
get rid of them, and the Italians had allies in 
the King of Spain, and also in Maximilian, 
Emperor of Germany. At length Charles 
thought it advisable to retrace his steps towards 

37 



38 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

France; leaving the Duke of Montpensier as 
viceroy of Naples, and a part of his troops in 
the different garrisons. With his diminished 
army he, got as far as northern Italy, where in 
the Valley of the Taro, at Fornovo, a very large 
opposing force, stationing themselves in a gorge 
through which the French must pass, awaited 
them. Here Charles showed himself a soldier, 
and with great bravery he and his little army 
rushed on the enemy and broke their ranks, and 
completely defeated them with great slaughter, 
the French losing but few men on their side. 
This battle of Fornovo took place on July 6, 1495. 

Bayard, in the company of the Lord de Ligny, 
did gallantly, two horses being killed under 
him; moreover he brought the King a cavalry 
standard which he had captured from the flying 
Italians. 

From Fornovo Charles came by short stages 
to Verceil, where he met a fine body of Swiss 
who had come down to his assistance in case of 
need. He remained there some days in order 
to rescue the Duke of Orleans (afterwards Louis 
XII.) who was besieged at Novara by Ludovico 
Sforza. After many negotiations a peace was 
arranged, and he slowly returned to Lyons, 
where he joined the Queen, and he afterwards 
went to St. Denis, near Paris, in the beautiful 
Church of which lay the bones of his ancestors, 



FORNOVO— AND AFTER 39 

and where doubtless he returned thanks after 
his campaign. 

The next two years were spent in his own 
kingdom, where the news of the death of the 
Duke of Montpensier, and the return of the 
Neapolitans to their allegiance to Ferdinand, 
lawful heir to the Crown of Naples, reached 
him. A fresh campaign was talked of but 
abandoned, and Charles went back to the castle 
of Amboise, where his early years had been 
spent. 

In the April of 1497, while looking on at a 
game of tennis he was taken ill, and died soon 
afterwards, aged only twenty-eight. Commines, 
the historian of those times, says of him : 
*'To say the truth, I never saw so great 
mourning and lamentation, nor any that con- 
tinued so long for any Prince as for him; and 
no marvel, for he was the mildest and most 
courteous Prince that ever lived." 

He was succeeded by Louis XII., Duke of 
Orleans, surnamed ''The Father of his People." 
He had been obliged to marry when very 
young, the daughter of Louis XI. ; afterwards he 
married the widow of the late King. His first 
care was to lessen the taxes, and to improve 
the administration of justice. 

A great desire of the new King was to re- 
take the Duchy of Milan, which he considered 



40 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

belonged to him, and which Ludovico Sforza 
had appropriated, and his father before him, so 
that the Orleans family had not held it for 
very many years. Now he was in a position 
to demand it, and sent an army into Italy for 
that purpose. One of the commanders of this 
force was Trivulzio. He was an Italian, but 
he had served in France. Afterwards he fought 
against Charles VIII., when the latter invaded 
Italy, but soon entered the service of France, 
and fought on that side with distinction, and con- 
tinued one of that country's most distinguished 
generals till the end of his military career. 

In the present expedition to regain Milan for 
Louis XII., Trivulzio and his army took and 
sacked two small towns. They then marched on 
Alessandria where they besieged the partisans 
of Ludovico Sforza, and notwithstanding a 
gallant defence, that town also surrendered. 

When the followers of Sforza learnt that, 
they all submitted to the King of France, and 
Sforza, seeing he was deserted by his subjects, 
abandoned Milan and retired into Germany, 
where Maximilian received him with pleasure. 
After he had left them the Milanese submitted 
to the French, and Louis XII., on hearing this 
news, crossed the Alps himself, and entering 
Milan in his ducal robes, spent three weeks in 
regulating affairs. 



FORNOVO— AND AFTER 41 

On quitting his newly recovered Uuchy; 
Louis left Trivulzio there as governor, and gave 
the charge of the castle to another noble lord, 
and returned himself to Lyons; but before he 
left Milan he reduced the taxes and the various 
imposts one-third, by which means he gained 
the hearts of many of his new subjects, and the 
approbation of all. 

Bayard was among those left in garrison in 
Italy, and soon after the war was over, he went 
to visit Blanche of Savoy, the widow of his 
first master, Duke Charles of Savoy. She now 
resided at Carignan in Piedmont, and there 
was no house where knights were entertained 
in more princely fashion. The chamberlain of 
this lady's household was a certain Lord de 
Fruzasco, whose beautiful and accomplished 
wife turned out to be an old friend of Bayard. 
In the early days of his pagehood they had been 
boy and girl lovers, and then they drifted apart 
in spite of writing to each other, and the boy 
followed King Charles into Italy, and the girl 
married some one else. They seem to have 
renewed their friendship with ardour — indeed 
the lady wished Bayard to know that the 
^'honest love she had for him in youth was 
still alive." Perhaps it had been kept alive by 
the reports which had reached her ears of his 
contest with the celebrated Claude de Vaudray, 



4a THE STORY OF BAYARD 

of his winning the tournament at Aire, and 
especially of the renown he had won at Fornovo. 
Naturally their talk ran on feats of arms, and 
finally Bayard was urged by her to proclaim 
a tournament in honour of the Duchess, their 
hostess. To this wish Bayard replied — 

''Truly, it shall be as you desire; you are 
the first lady who ever enlisted my heart 
in her service. I only beg of you to give 
me one of your bracelets, for which I have a 
use." 

It may be remarked that this ''bracelet" may 
have been a kind of sleeve or gauntlet, for the 
lady handed it to Bayard, and he silently drew 
it over the sleeve of his doublet. 

Early the next morning Bayard sent a 
trumpeter to the neighbouring garrison towns, 
to proclaim that in four days' time a tournament 
would be held at Carignan for knights and 
esquires in full armour. The winner of three 
courses of the lance without a barrier, and 
twelve sword-thrusts, was to be awarded a 
lady's bracelet, to which was attached a ruby 
worth a hundred ducats. 

The herald (or trumpeter) did his duty, and 
returned with a list of fifteen gentlemen who 
had promised to take part. The Lady Blanche 
expressed herself very pleased at these arrange- 
ments, and ordered raised benches to be 



FORNOVO— AND AFTER 43 

decorated and placed in the tiltyard; from 
whence she could view the contests. 

On the appointed morning about eleven 
o'clock, Bayard with a few friends, all mounted 
and armed cap-a-pie^ awaited the others who did 
not fail to come soon. The first combatants 
were the giver of the tournament and the Lord 
of Rouastre, a brave and skilful knight, who 
bore the ensign of Duke Philibert of Savoy, but 
despite his skill Bayard succeeded in disarming 
him in the first course. In the second course 
the Lord of Rouastre showed even more 
dexterity than before, but though he was not 
unseated he reeled in the saddle and his crest 
and plume were borne away on the point of his 
adversary's lance. In the third course he 
missed his aim, while Bayard's lance was broken 
to pieces. 

The other combatants followed, all earning 
the approbation of the spectators. After the 
lances were done with, there were the contests 
with swords, twelve thrusts or sweeps being 
allowed, but Bayard, at the second thrust only, 
sent his antagonist's sword flying out of his 
hand, breaking his own at the same time. 

It was late before all had competed, and then 
the Lady Blanche, through her chamberlain, 
Lord de Fruzasco, invited all to sup with her 
at the castle, and gave them a reception worthy 



44 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

of the occasion. After supper the hautboys 
and the minstrels began to play, but first of 
all they decided to give the prize to the victor. 

The Lord de Fruzasco and another nobleman 
were the judges, and when they asked the 
opinion of the assembled company, all — the 
Duchess, gentlemen, ladies, and even the com- 
batants — declared with one voice that the 
Chevalier Bayard had won it by right. 

But he refused it blushing, and saying it was 
quite wrong to accord him that honour, for if 
he had done at all well in anything it was due 
entirely to the Lady de Fruzasco who had lent 
him her bracelet, and it was for her to present 
the prize to whomsoever she pleased. 

Then the Lord de Fruzasco came forward 
in his capacity of judge, and, be it remarked, 
he did not feel the slightest jealousy, for he 
knew too well the great loyalty of the gallant 
knight, and he said to his wife— 

" Madame, in the presence of me, your 
husband, my Lord of Bayard, to whom the 
prize has been unanimously awarded, declares 
you to have gained it with the bracelet which 
you gave him. We, therefore, present it to you, 
to do what you please with it." 

The lady was not at all disconcerted at this 
great honour, but replied with her accustomed 
grace — 



FORNOVO—AND AFTER 45 

^' Since my Lord of Bayard does me the 
honour to affirm that my bracelet has caused 
him to win the prize, I will keep it all my life 
for love of him. As to the ruby, since he 
refuses to take it as victor, I venture to think 
it should be given to my Lord Montdragon, as 
the general opinion gave him the second place 
in the tournament." 

The prize was thus given according to the 
lady's decision, which was approved by all. The 
fetes at Carignan lasted some five or six days 
longer, then all the knights and esquires 
returned to their respective garrisons. 

Bayard took leave of his early patroness, 
who was pleased to think she had helped in 
the bringing-up of one so highly esteemed as 
he was by all. 

And a sad farewell was then spoken to his 
first, and perhaps his only love, the Lady de 
Fruzasco, who wept at parting from him, while 
he had le coeur bien serine! Their honest and 
pure affection for each other lasted till death, 
and every year some token of remembrance 
passed between them. Observe, it was the 
good Chevalier smts peitr et sans reprochej but 
as if to disarm criticism, the Loyal Serviteur 
just mentions, as we have seen, how completely 
the Lord de Fruzasco was free from jealousy. 
Besides, it was the age of such friendships, and 



46 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

one can well imagine Bayard being, in the 
language of those times, a sur et parfaict amy. 

In the town and castle of Carignan nothing 
was talked of for many days but Bayard, not 
only for his prowess, but for his other qualities. 
As an instance of his generosity and gratitude, 
he sought out Pizou de Chenas, the master- 
groom, who had got his horse ready for him, 
when as a boy he rode before Charles VIII. in 
the field of Ainay, invited him to his garrison, 
treated him with hospitality, and presented him 
with a noble horse. He also inquired of him the 
fate of the esquire under whom he had been first 
placed, and hearing he was married and settled, 
he sent him a beautiful mule. Thus did he all 
through his life constantly prove not only his 
liberal spirit, but his gratitude for kindnesses 
done to himself. 



CHAPTER VI 

CAPTURED AT MILAN 

TT will be remembered that Ludovico Sforza, 
who had been deprived of the Duchy of 
Milan by Louis XII., took refuge in Germany. 
In the year 1500 he returned into Lombardy 
with a goodly array of lansquenets, Swiss, and 
others, and thanks to private information 
received, he re-took Milan, though the French 
still held the castle. Many towns in the Duchy 
followed the example of the capital and revolted. 
When Louis heard of these troubles, he pre- 
pared a large army, commanded by the Lord de 
Ligny and Trivulzio, and before long they were 
on the march, assembling their forces in the 
province of Asti. 

Bayard was, as we know, in Italy, and a 
short time after Sforza had re-established 
himself in Milan, Bayard, who was stationed 
about twenty miles from that city, met with an 
adventure, which might have ended more 
seriously for him than it did. He heard that 

47 



48 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

there were at a place not far distant, called 
Binasco, three hundred horsemen who might 
easily be put to flight, and he called on his 
companions to go forth with him and surprise 
them, and see what they could achieve. As he 
was so popular, they readily came to his call, 
to the number of forty or fifty, and they started 
very early the next morning on their enterprise. 

However, there were gallant knights on both 
sides, and the Captain in Binasco, named 
Cazoche, was one of these. He got wind of 
this project through reliable spies, and not 
wishing to be caught in a trap, made his 
preparations accordingly. He posted his men 
two or three bow-shots' length outside the 
gates, and watched for his enemies, glad to 
observe that they were too few in number to 
be able probably to do much harm. The 
opposing parties rushed at each other to the 
cry on one side of '' France ! France ! " and on 
the other of ^' More ! More ! " (Ludovico Sforza 
was called the Moor, either from his swarthy 
complexion, or most probably from his crest, 
a mulberry-tree, in Italian, 7noro). There was a 
furious charge, and for some time one could not 
say who would gain the victory. This enraged 
Bayard, and he exclaimed to his companions — 

^' Ho ! gentlemen, are we to be kept here all 
day by this handful of men ? " 



CAPTURED AT MILAN 49 

Animated by his words his companions, 
raising the cry of " France ! France ! " rushed 
violently on the Lombards, who began to lose 
ground and to retreat, but defending themselves 
skilfully all the time. Thus retreating they 
gradually drew towards Milan, and when they 
were quite near that city, they turned their 
horses suddenly and galloped straight at it. 
The French pursued them, but after the first 
rush, one of the older officers, who well under- 
stood the art of war, gave the word of command 
to turn. All heard and obeyed the order but 
Bayard, who in the heat of pursuit dashed after 
his enemies into Milan — yes, and followed them 
right up to Sforza's own palace. The crowd 
seeing the white cross on his helmet, which all 
the French wore, shouted " Pille ! Pille ! " He 
was surrounded on all sides, and made prisoner 
by Captain Cazoche, who took him to his 
quarters and caused him to be disarmed. Con- 
sidering the remarkable courage and prowess 
he had shown, Cazoche was astonished to find 
him such a young man, only twenty-two or 
twenty-three years old. 

Naturally Sforza soon heard of the affray, 
and ordered the prisoner to be brought to him 
that he might see him. This rather alarmed 
Captain Cazoche, on Bayard's account, knowing 
the temper of the man, and he conducted him 

E 



50 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

himself into Sforza's presence, having arrayed 
him in one of his own robes, befitting his rank. 
The Duke also was surprised at his youth, but 
spoke somewhat roughly. 

'' Come here, young sir. Who was it brought 
you to this city ? " 

Bayard answered with great calmness. '' By 
my faith, my Lord, I did not mean to come alone, 
but thought I was followed by all my com- 
panions ; but they understand war better than 
I do, for had they imitated me, they would 
also have been taken prisoners. However, not- 
withstanding my misfortune, I deem myself 
happy to have fallen into the hands of so good 
and powerful a knight." 

The Duke then asked him on his honour the 
number of the French army, receiving for reply — 

'' By my soul, my Lord, as well as I can judge 
there are between fourteen and fifteen hundred 
horsemen, and from sixteen to eighteen thousand 
infantry, but they are all picked men, resolved to 
conquer the Duchy of Milan for the King, our 
master. It seems to me, my Lord, that you 
would be safer in Germany than here, for your 
troops are not equal to defeating us." 

Bayard spoke with such assurance that Sforza 
was somewhat astonished, but to show he did 
not fear the return of the French, he said, as if in 
jest— 



CAPTURED AT MILAN 51 

'' By my faith, young gentleman, I only wish 
that my army and that of the King of France 
could meet; I know no other means to settle this 
question of heritage." 

'' My Lord," cried Bayard, ^' I would it were 
to-morrow, if only I were out of prison." 

'' Think not of that," replied the Duke, '' I will 
presently set you at liberty, and more, ask me 
for anything you desire." 

Bayard thanked the Duke on one knee, and 
told him he only begged him of his courtesy to 
restore him his horse and his arms, and to allow 
him to return to his garrison twenty miles off, 
for which favour he should be grateful all his 
life. 

'4n good faith," said Sforza, ^'you shall have 
what you ask ; " and turning to Captain Cazoche, 
^' Let him have at once his horse and all that 
belongs to him." 

The Captain sent some of the attendants for 
the horse and arms, thus causing Bayard to equip 
himself immediately before the Duke. When he 
had donned his armour, he sprang on his horse 
without putting foot in stirrup, and called for his 
lance which was handed to him. Then raising 
his visor, he said — 

^'I thank you, my Lord, for the courtesy 
you have shown to me. May God reward you 
for it" 



52 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

This took place in a large open court, and 
Bayard spurred his horse, who bounded four or 
five times, after which he galloped round, 
breaking his lance into several pieces the while. 
The Duke did not specially enjoy this, and was 
heard to say aloud — 

'' If all the horsemen of France are like this 
one, I shall have but a poor chance." 

Bayard was escorted by a trumpeter to his 
garrison, but they did not get so far, for they 
met the French army about twelve miles from 
Milan. The affair caused a great deal of talk, 
and when Bayard presented himself before his 
good master, the Lord de Ligny, the latter said 
laughing — 

^'Ho, ho. Piquet, who brought you out of 
prison ? Have you paid your ransom ? Truly 
I was on the point of sending one of my 
trumpeters to search for you and to pay it." 

" My Lord," said Bayard, ^' I humbly thank 
you for your good intention. Lord Ludovico 
liberated me through pure courtesy." 

He then gradually related to them all that had 
happened to him, both of his capture and his 
deliverance. He was asked if he had hoped to 
see Lord Ludovico, and had he heard if he would 
fight with them. Bayard rather evaded the 
question, but said he did not appear to be a man 
easily surprised by small things, and they no 



CAPTURED AT MILAN 53 

doubt would see what he would do in a few days, 
adding — 

'' Of him I cannot complain, for he has acted a 
kind and honest part towards me." 

When Sforza learnt that the French army was 
so near Milan, as the castle there was not in his 
power, he dreaded being surprised. So he stole 
away in the night with such men as he had, and 
joined his main army at Novara. When this was 
known in the French camp it was determined to 
attack Sforza at Novara. There he had a 
numerous force, but they were of different 
nations — Burgundians, Germans, Swiss, and of 
course Italians — and such a mixture are not easy 
to command ; and perhaps partly from this cause 
it was not long before Novara surrendered to 
the French. 

A rumour was spread abroad that Sforza 
himself was not in the town, but had a second 
time retreated to Germany ; therefore the order 
was given that every foot soldier should pass by 
singly under a pike, and amongst these the un- 
fortunate Ludovico was recognized. He was 
disguised as a Swiss soldier, and perhaps was 
betrayed by one of his followers. However that 
may be, he was forced to surrender. He was 
carried with other princes of his house to 
France, and was taken first to Lyons, then to 
another prison, and finally to the grim castle of 



54 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Loches, a pile of massive walls, which guarded 
the dungeons of Louis XI. In that gloomy 
fortress Sforza remained till his death some 
eight years afterwards. 

When the Milanese heard of the capture of 
their master, dreading pillage and violence, they 
did not hesitate to become French again ; and 
then they found they had fallen into the hands of 
a good prince, and of kindly captains. 

Among the towns which hadi revolted from 
the French, there were some which Louis had 
given to the Lord de Ligny after the first 
conquest of Milan. He now resolved to go and 
see them, taking with him the good Captain 
Louis d'Ars and Bayard, and he announced his 
intention of sacking the towns of Tortona and 
Voghera, not that he really meant to do so. At 
first he refused to see a deputation of the 
principal inhabitants who came to ask his 
pardon ; but they persuaded Captain d'Ars to 
intercede for them, and the Lord de Ligny 
agreed to meet them on the following day. 

After an eloquent speech in Italian from one 
of their number praying for forgiveness for their 
revolt, and promising not so to offend again, the 
Lord de Ligny was begged to accept some silver 
vessels as a token that his anger against them 
had ceased, and two tables were brought forward 
on which stood cups, and goblets, and all kinds 



CAPTURED AT MILAN 55 

of silver vessels. But the Lord de Ligny dis- 
dained their gift, and told them that if he did 
his duty he should strangle them and hang them 
from their own windows as traitors and disloyal 
subjects. 

Then the brave and good Captain d'Ars knelt 
bare-headed before his chief, and said — 

" My Lord, in the name of God, and by His 
Passion, 1 entreat you to pardon your subjects. 
I trust you will ever in the future find them 
faithful and loyal." 

The poor citizens who were all on their knees, 
cried out each one, '^ My lord, let it be as 
the Captain says," and the good Lord de Ligny 
hearing their supplications was moved nearly 
to tears and bade them rise, saying he would 
pardon them for the sake of Captain d'Ars. 
He added they did not deserve that he should 
accept their gift, and turning to Bayard, he said—- 

" Piquet, take all these vessels ; I give them 
to you for yonr kitchen." 

But Bayard declined to accept them, saying 
they would bring him misfortune, and taking 
them piece by piece he gave them all away. He 
then retired, as did also the deputation. When 
he had left, the Lord de Ligny commented on 
his good heart and liberality, and the next day 
considering that Bayard had nothing for himself 
(at that moment he had not ten crowns in the 



56 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

world) he sent him a splendid crimson velvet 
robe, a good charger, and three hundred crowns 
in a purse. The crowns did not last long, being 
as you might imagine, shared with his com- 
panions. 



CHAPTER VII 
THE DUEL 

AFTER the recapture of Milan, Bayard con- 
-^^ tinued his garrison work under the brave 
and good Captain Louis d'Ars, in the town 
of Minervino. There he found the life some- 
what tedious, and one evening made the follow- 
ing suggestion to his companions— 

^'Gentlemen, we seem shut up here without 
the chance of a brush with the enemy. Let us 
go out to-morrow towards Andria or Barletta ; 
perhaps we shall encounter some Spaniards." 

With regard to the presence of the Spaniards 
in Italy, the history of these times is too com- 
plicated to be entered on here ; suffice it to say 
that Italy, torn by contending factions, was then 
the battlefield of Europe, and a large Spanish 
army had landed, ostensibly to help the 
Venetians, under the Great Captain, Gonsalvo 
de Cordova. Bayard's proposition therefore met 
with a ready response and the following morning 
a little band of about thirty marched towards the 
hostile garrisons. 

5? 



58 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Now, as it happened, the very same day a 
certain Spanish gentleman, Don Alonso de 
Soto-Mayor, a near relative of the Great Captain, 
and himself an expert warrior, sallied forth from 
the town of Andria with a company of forty or 
fifty chosen horsemen. It so chanced these 
captains did not see each other, owing to the 
rising ground, till they were within a cannon's 
shot, and they were both delighted at the 
rencontre, especially as they were about equal 
in number. As soon as Bayard saw the red 
crosses (the Spaniards wore red crosses, as the 
French wore white) he cried out — 

'' We must fight, my friends. Let every man 
acquit himself with honour, and if I fail to do 
my best, let me be considered for ever a worthless 
coward." 

'^ Come on. Captain," was the response. 
''Have at them. Do not let them have the 
honour of beginning." 

Then, lowering their visors, they charged 
their enemies at a gallop, shouting '' France ! 
France ! " They were bravely resisted with 
fixed lances by the Spaniards to the cry of 
'' Spain ! " and '' Sant Yago ! " The combat lasted 
half an hour ; neither side would yield, though 
many were unhorsed; at last the Spaniards 
were beaten back, seven lay dead on the field, 
and many were made prisoners. The rest fled 



THE DUEL 59 

with Captain Alonso, hotly pursued by Bayard, 
who called out more than once, ^^Turn, man-at- 
arms ; to die flying is a disgrace." 

Thus goaded, Alonso de Soto-Mayor turned, 
and like a lion at bay fought furiously, though 
in the meantime his companions had left him — a 
fact he did not regard ; but his horse failed him, 
and Bayard said — 

^'Surrender, man-at-arms,' or you are a dead 



man." 



''To whom shall I surrender?" 

''To Captain Bayard." 

Then Don Alonso, who knew the prestige of 
his antagonist, and saw himself surrounded on 
all sides so that he could not escape, held out 
his sword, giving himself up. He was escorted 
to the French garrison, and Bayard, who was, 
in the quaint words of the Loyal Serviteur, 
"the adopted son of the Lady Courtesy," 
having ascertained the rank of his prisoner, 
lodged him in one of the best rooms of the 
castle, and gave him one of his own robes, 
saying — 

" Senor don Alonso, I know you come of 
a noble house, and, what is worth more, you are 
renowned for your prowess; therefore I will not 
treat you as a prisoner. I will make this castle 
your prison if you will give me your parole that 
you will not leave it without my permission. 



60 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

It is large, and you can be with us till your 
ransom is paid." 

Don Alonso thanked his captor, and gave 
his parole. After about fifteen days he broke 
it. He bribed an Albanian who procured him 
a horse, and taking advantage of the liberty 
accorded him, he escaped. He was re-taken, 
and confined in a stricter prison, but still he 
was kindly treated in every way till his ransom 
of a thousand crowns was brought by one of 
his people. This money Bayard distributed 
amongst his soldiers, without reserving one 
penny for himself 

When Don Alonso returned to Andria, he 
was warmly greeted by his brother officers, and 
questioned much as to Bayard's mode of life, and 
how he had been treated by him during his 
captivity, and he made the following statement 
in reply — 

" I give you my word, gentlemen, that as to 
the Chevalier Bayard himself, I know no braver 
gentleman. And he is no idler — when he is not 
engaged in war, he is constantly employing his 
men in some way, in wrestling, jumping, throw- 
ing the bar, and other manly exercises. His 
liberality is unequalled. I have seen it several 
times, and when he received my ransom he 
distributed it in my presence to his soldiers. 
Truly, if he live long, he will be a great man. 



THE DUEL 61 

But I cannot speak well of the way in which he 
treated me ; I know not if it was by his orders, 
but I was not treated as becomes a gentleman, 
and I shall remember the indignity all my life." 

These complaints did not fail to be soon 
reported to Bayard, and he was justly indignant, 
and called his companions to witness that it was 
only after Don Alonso had tried to escape that 
any restraint was imposed on him, and even 
after that he had nothing to complain of. 

All agreed that the Spaniard could not have 
been better treated if he had been some great 
prince. 

^' By my faith," said Bayard, ^' I will write to 
him, and if he still pretends he was ill-treated, 
I will prove the contrary on foot or on horse, as 
he pleases." 

He then called for a clerk, and the following 
letter was written : — 

''Senor Alonso, — I have learnt that when 
you left your prison, you complained of me and 
caused a rumour to be circulated that I did not 
treat you as a gentleman. You know the 
contrary. If that accusation were true, it would 
be a disgrace to me. I write to beg you to 
retract your words before those who heard 
them, and to own the truth, that you were 
treated with all courteous honour. In case you 



62 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

should refuse to do this I am resolved to make 
you by mortal combat between us two. On foot, 
or on horseback — and with what arms you 
choose. Adieu. At Minervino, this Xth July." 

A herald brought this letter to Don AlonsO; 
who refused to retract his words, and accepted 
the challenge to mortal combat. Bayard instantly 
informed the noble Lord de la Palice, a man 
well versed in such matters, and asked him to be 
one of his supporters ; and his old friend 
Bellabre for another. 

When the appointed day for the combat 
arrived, the Lord de la Palice, accompanied 
by two hundred men-at-arms (which each of the 
combatants allowed the other) escorted his 
champion to the field mounted on a splendid 
charger, and dressed in white as an emblem of 
humility, which seems to us a little strange 
perhaps ! They were the first on the field, 
and when a herald was sent to summon Alonso, 
he asked in what manner his adversary was 
going to fight. When he was told he was on 
horseback and in complete armour, he said — 

^' It is for me to select the weapons, as it is 
for him to select the ground. Go and tell him 
I shall fight on foot." 

Though Alonso was a brave man he may 
have rather repented the extreme length to 



THE DUEL 63 

which matters had gone; certainly he was 
reluctant to meet Bayard on horseback knowing 
of his wonderful skill in tilting. Besides, 
he knew that Bayard was suffering from a 
quartan fever, or ague, and would probably 
decline to meet him on foot, or if he did would 
be more easily defeated than on horseback, on 
account of his weakness. And we may well 
suppose that Alonso did not desire to meet him 
in combat handicapped as he was by illness. 
But whatever his motives, he did not know his 
man, if he thought Bayard would refuse. When 
the herald said to him, *^ Tidings, Captain; your 
adversary says he will only fight you on foot, 
and it is for him to choose the weapons," there 
was a moment's hesitation, for the fever was now 
on him, but he replied— 

"Hasten him, my friend; nothing will prevent 
me from retrieving mine honour this day, with 
the help of God. If he will not fight on horse- 
back, I will fight as he pleases." 

When Don Alonso saw that for his honour 
he must fight, he sent the weapons for Bayard to 
select, which he did very quickly, and took his 
stand at one end of the camp, a space enclosed 
by large stones laid roughly side by side. His 
friend Bellabre who acted as his second stood 
beside him, while the Lord de la Palice was the 
keeper of the ground on his side. Don Alonso 



64 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

had also his second, and his keeper of the 
ground. 

When both knights had entered, armed with 
sword and dagger, and in full armour, it was 
observed they both wore their visors up. Both 
knelt in silent prayer for a few moments, then 
rising and crossing themselves they advanced 
straight at each other. Bayard (as Brantome 
says) ''moving as light of step as if he were 
going to lead some fair lady down the dance." 
The Spaniard was of a large and powerful frame, 
and endeavoured to crush his enemy by weight 
of blows. Bayard was naturally less strong, and 
was weakened by the fever, but he was more 
light and agile, and wonderfully dexterous and 
quick in his movements. For some time they 
fought without any decided result, but at 
length Don Alonso was somewhat thrown 
off his balance by an ill-directed blow, and 
Bayard struck him so sharply on the gorget, 
that it gave way and the sword entered the 
throat. Feeling this to be his death-blow, Don 
Alonso let fall his weapon, and grasping his 
antagonist in his arms they both rolled in the 
dust together. Before either could extricate 
himself, Bayard, who never lost his presence 
of mind, and had kept his poniard in his left 
hand during the whole combat, while that of 
the Spaniard remained in his belt, pierced him 




BAYARD, WHO HAD KEPT HIS PONIARD IN HIS HAND DURING THE WHOLE COMBAT, 
. . . PIERCED HIM WITH IT TO THE BRAIN, CRYING, "SURRENDER!" 



THE DUEL 65 

with it to the brain, crying, ^' Surrender ! " But 
there was no reply, the deed was done, and 
Alonso's second said, " Senor Bayardo, he is 
dead. You have conquered." 

Who was grieved? It was the victor. He 
would have given a hundred thousand crowns 
to have seen his adversary still living. Then, 
grateful to the Almighty for his own safety, he 
knelt in prayer, and after thrice kissing the earth, 
the body of his opponent was taken out of the 
camp, Bayard saying to the Spanish second, 
^^ Senor don Diego, have I done enough?" to 
which the other sadly replied — 

^'Too much, Senor Bayardo, for the honour 
of Spain." 

^'You know that the disposal of my adver- 
sary's body rests with me. I make it over to 
you, and I wish most sincerely this had never 
happened, if only my honour had been saved." 

The Spaniards sadly bore away their 
champion, while the French conducted Bayard 
amid the clang of trumpets and music to the 
garrison of the Lord de la Palice. But, before 
anything else, he entered the Church to render 
thanks to God for his preservation. 

Bayard's praises were sounded throughout 
the kingdom, and not only by the French, but 
also by the Spaniards, who accorded him the 
reputation of being the most accomplished 
knight that could be found. 



CHAPTER VIII 
THE COMBAT OF THE THIRTEEN 

IT must be remembered that the order of the 
events in Bayard's life are placed here accord- 
ing to the Loyal Serviteur's account, and, as may 
well be imagined, he was not very correct as to 
numbers and dates. This celebrated combat of 
thirteen a side may have been eleven a side. 
Also it may have taken place before the duel 
with Alonso de Soto-Mayor, on September 20, 
1502, while the duel was in the February follow- 
ing (not the July as we should gather). Con- 
sidering the difficulties in those days of obtaining 
information, we must not be too hard on the 
chroniclers ; even eye-witnesses cannot always 
narrate what they have seen. ^' The only facts 
in which all agree are, that there was such a 
tournament, and that neither party gained the 
advantage. So much for history ! " (Prescott). 

The Loyal Serviteur attributes the cause of 
the combat to the Spaniards' desire to revenge 
the death of Captain Alonso ; but the reason does 

66 



THE COMBAT OF THE THIRTEEN 67 

not much matter. A truce was going on, and the 
hostile garrisons were doubtless only too glad 
to work off their rivalry on each other during 
their temporary inaction. Visits seem to have 
been exchanged between them, and in the course 
of conversation a brave Spaniard, who was in 
Alonso's company, made this proposition — 

^'Gentlemen, I know not how you feel with 
regard to this truce ; it only began eight days ago, 
but already we are wearied to death by it. If 
while it continues you could raise, say, ten against 
ten, or twenty against twenty, on your side, I 
would endeavour to find as many on our side 
who would contend for the quarrel of our 
masters. The vanquished to be the prisoners 
of the victors." 

At these words Bayard and the Lord Oroso, 
who was with him, looked at each other, and the 
former thus answered the Spaniard — 

^' Sir, my friend and I understand you. You 
are anxious to encounter us, an equal number 
being on each side. Well, you have here 
thirteen men-at-arms ; if to-day week you will 
meet us two miles from here, mounted and 
armed, my friend and I will provide you with 
thirteen opponents." 

The Spaniards signified their agreement, and 
they separated. The Lord Oroso and Bayard 
returned to MinervinO; where they selected their 



68 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

men, and on the appointed day both parties 
arrived punctually at the spot agreed on. Many 
soldiers from the French and Spanish camps 
came as spectators of the struggle. The ground 
was then marked out, and certain rules drawn 
up, such as, that those who overstepped the 
limits of the ground should be considered as 
prisoners, and be unable to take further part in 
the combat ; that the same should apply to those 
who were unhorsed ; that if, at nightfall, neither 
side was victorious, and only one remained on 
horseback, that one should be able to free and 
carry off with him all his companions, leaving the 
ground with honour. 

The French then drew up on one side, and the 
Spaniards on the other, all with their lances in 
rest. They then spurred their horses ; but the 
Spaniards disregarded the men, and only sought 
to kill the horses. In this they succeeded, and 
soon the only two who remained mounted were 
the Lord Oroso and Bayard. But this ruse did 
not avail the Spanish much, for their own 
chargers refused to pass those who had been 
killed ; they were spurred in vain, they always 
swerved aside. Then Oroso and Bayard rushed 
upon them violently ; and at the moment when 
they were going to retaliate these two got behind 
the slain horses, where they were secure as 
behind a rampart. 



THE COMBAT OF THE THIRTEEN 69 

The Spaniards were intensely provoked, for 
though they were thirteen against two, they 
could not win the day before nightfall, when, as it 
had been agreed, the tourney was to end. But 
the glory of the day was with the French, who 
for four hours had fought two against thirteen, 
without being conquered. Bayard's exploits on 
this occasion were such that they added yet more 
to his renown. Thus ended this somewhat un- 
satisfactory contest, which might be considered 
a '' drawn game." 

About a month after this combat, when the 
truce had expired. Bayard was informed by his 
spies that a treasurer bearing gold for the Great 
Captain^ would be obliged to pass within three 
or four miles of his garrison. Bayard had a great 
wish to capture this money, not indeed for him- 
self, but to distribute to his men. He therefore 
lay in ambush between two small hills, having 
about twenty men with him; and he posted his 
friend Tardieu with twenty-five Albanians the 
other side, so that the treasurer and his guard 
could not escape one or the other. About seven 
in the morning Bayard's scouts warned him they 
heard the tramp of horses, and his men were so 
well concealed by rocks that the Spanish caval- 
cade, with the treasurer and his servant in the 
midst, passed by them without perceiving any- 
thing. When they had passed, immediately the 



70 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

little band rushed after them with the usual cry 
of '^ France ! France ! " and also ^' A mort ! a 
mort." The Spaniards were utterly taken by 
surprise, and thinking the French numbered 
many more men than they did, fled precipitately. 
They were only pursued a little way, for they 
soon captured the poor treasurer and his servant, 
who were taken to Minervino. 

When, on their arrival, the saddle-bags con- 
taining the ducats were opened. Bayard was 
going to count them, but the treasurer said in 
Spanish — 

^' Do not count, my Lord, there are fifteen 
thousand ducats." 

Meanwhile Tardieu returned, very discomfited 
at having missed the prize when he beheld its 
value. 

'^ My good friend," said he, " I shall have my 
share, for I was taking part in the enterprise." 

^' That is true," replied Bayard ; '^ but you were 
not at the capture." And for the fun of it he 
added, ^' And if you had been, you are under 
my authority, and I should have only given you 
what I thought proper." 

Then Tardieu flew into a passion, and swore 
he would have his rights. He went straightway 
to the Lieutenant-General of the army, who sent 
for Bayard, and each man told his tale ; and the 
Lieutenant-General decided that Tardieu could 



THE COMBAT OF THE THIRTEEN 71 

claim nothing, which much disconcerted him. 
However, he was a jovial, pleasant man, and he 
soon said — 

^' By Saint George ! I am unlucky." Then, 
turning to Bayard, he added, ^' But, by Heaven, it 
is all one, for you will have to feed me while we 
are in this country, that's all." 

Bayard laughed, and they returned to Miner- 
vino, where all the ducats were spread on a table 
as if to tantalize Tardieu. 

^' What do you think, my friend ? " said Bayard 
mockingly, " A fine sugar-plum, eh ? " 

''Yes, by all the devils!" replied Tardieu; 
''but nothing for, me. I wish I were hanged! 
With half that I should be rich, and a prosperous 
man all my life." 

" What, my friend, if you had that, would 
your happiness be assured in this world ? 
Well, that which you have not been able to 
obtain by force, I give you willingly, and with 
all my heart. You shall have the half, all told." 

And he instantly made over to him seven 
thousand five hundred ducats. Tardieu, who at 
first thought he was being mocked, when he 
actually saw the sum in his possession, threw 
himself on his knees, and said, with tears of joy — 

" Alas ! my friend and my master, how can 
I prove my gratitude for your great kindness ? 
Surely never was Alexander so liberal ! " 



72 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

'' Be silent, friend ; if I were able I would do 
yet more for you." 

After this Tardieu was rich all through his 
life, for by means of this money, after they 
returned from Naples into France he married 
an heiress in his own province, a daughter of a 
Lord de Saint-Martin, who had a large dowry. 

We must now learn what became of the 
other seven thousand five hundred ducats which 
remained. Bayard, ^' whose heart was as a 
pearl," called all those of his garrison around 
him, and distributed to each, according to his 
rank, without reserving to himself one farthing. 
And he did not forget the unfortunate treasurer, 
but said to him — 

'' Friend, I know full well that if I would, I 
could justly demand a ransom for you ; but I will 
be content with what I have already had. I will 
cause you to be conducted safe to any place you 
may desire ; nothing further will be taken from 
you, and you will not be searched." 

The prudent treasurer seems to have had 
somewhere about him five hundred ducats or 
more. He was escorted safe to Barletta, and 
considered himself happy to have fallen into 
such good hands. 



CHAPTER IX 

THE BRIDGE 

/^NE of Bayard's most celebrated exploits 
^-^ was his defence, single-handed, of the 
bridge over the Garigliano against a large body 
of Spaniards. We are reminded of Horatius 
Codes! Both armies had suffered much, being 
encamped in damp and dreary morasses with 
barely the necessaries of life, and the weather 
was inclement, it being in the middle of winter. 
The French troops, in spite of the heroism of 
many, were disorderly, and the Spaniards were 
gaining on them ; but not to enter into the many 
skirmishes that took place, let us only look at 
the part Bayard took according to the account 
given by his faithful follower. 

He recognizes the bravery of the Spaniards 
as well as of the French, and specially mentions 
among the former the Great Captain and a 
certain Captain Pedro de Paz. This last was a 
very small man, only about three feet in height ; 
but no one was ever braver ; he was so hump- 
backed and so short, that only his head was 

73 



74 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

visible when he was on horseback. One day 
Captain de Paz thought he would make a sally ; 
he forded the Garigliano with a hundred and 
twenty horsemen, each man carrying behind him 
a foot soldier armed with an arquebuse. His 
aim was to attract the greater part of the French 
army, and make them abandon the bridge, so 
that the Spaniards might then cross it. His 
manoeuvre succeeded, and the French, thinking 
they had the whole of the hostile army to deal 
with, were alarmed and retreated before Pedro 
de Paz. 

However, Bayard, always liking to be in the 
front of the fray, had placed his tent near the 
bridge, with an esquire named Le Basque. 
Hearing the noise, they armed and mounted 
their horses to go whither it proceeded ; but on 
looking towards the river they saw two hundred 
Spaniards advancing straight on the bridge to 
get possession of it, which, if they so succeeded, 
meant the total destruction of the French army. 
Turning to Le Basque, Bayard said — 

'^ Sir squire, hasten to warn our men to come 
and guard this bridge. I will amuse them till 
your return — but make haste." 

Le Basque departed, and Bayard, lance in 
hand stationed himself at the end of the bridge, 
just as the Spaniards came up to go over it. 
Like a lion at bay, he put his lance in rest, and 



THE BRIDGE 75 

charged the first group who set foot on the 
bridge ; two or three staggered back; and two of 
them fell into the river, from which they never 
rose (for it was deep and rapid). After that he 
had indeed his work cut out for him, being so 
sorely beset that had it not been for his expert 
horsemanship he could not have resisted. Re- 
treating to the barrier of the bridge, so that he 
could not be attacked from behind, he defended 
himself so well with his sword, and dealt such 
furious blows, that his enemies felt as if they 
were fighting with an invincible demon. In 
short, he was able to hold out till Le Basque had 
time to come to his aid with a body of men, who 
compelled the Spaniards to abandon the bridge, 
and then chased them for a full mile. They very 
likely would have pursued them further had they 
not perceived a large force of Spanish horsemen 
coming to succour their companions, and Bayard 
said— 

^'Gentlemen, we have done enough to-day in 
defending the bridge ; let us retreat in good 
order." 

This was considered to be good advice, and 
the French beat a rapid retreat. Bayard being 
ever the last, and remaining in the post of 
greatest danger. At last he found himself in 
great difficulty, on account of his horse, who 
had carried him throughout the day and was 



76 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

completely exhausted. At this moment a fresh 
body of the enemy descended on the French, 
and many of them were brought to the ground. 
Bayard's horse was backed almost into a ditch 
and surrounded by twenty horsemen all crying, 
'' Surrender, surrender, Senor." Bayard replied, 
fighting as he spoke — 

'' Sirs, I must needs yield ; I cannot fight 
you all." 

In the meantime, his companions were far 
away, going straight towards the bridge, and 
never thinking but that Bayard was amongst 
them. But when they were some distance off, 
one of the party, a gentleman from Dauphiny, 
and a neighbour of Bayard's, exclaimed — 

'' Ah, sirs, we have lost all. Captain Bayard 
is either dead or a prisoner. He is not with us ! 
We shall never know his fate. And to-day, when 
he has led us so valiantly, and gained us so much 
honour ! I vow to God that I will return, if I 
have to go alone, and I will bring tidings of him, 
or lose my life or liberty in the attempt." (There 
are some who affirm the speaker of these words 
was our old friend Bellabre, not the gentleman 
from Dauphiny). 

Every soldier was cut to the heart by these 
words. Every man got off his horse to re-adjust 
the saddle, and remounting, with reckless courage 
and heedless of consequences galloped after the 



THE BRIDGE 77 

Spaniards, who were carrying off the flower 
and elite of all their noble knights, who had been 
lost to them for a time solely through his horse 
failing him. 

When the Spaniards had taken their prisoner, 
they were so many that they did not trouble to 
disarm him further than by taking away his 
battle-axe; they even left him his sword. As 
they marched along, they asked him who he was ; 
but he evaded the question, being aware that if 
they knew his name, he would never escape with 
life ; for the Spaniards held him in great awe, 
and would never have consented to exchange him. 
So he merely replied that he was a gentleman. 

When the French came up shouting, *' France ! 
France! Turn, turn. Spaniards, you will not 
carry off our leader thus ! " the Spaniards, were 
very much surprised ; but they boldly confronted 
the desperate charge, though several of the best 
mounted of them were hurled to the ground. 
Bayard saw this, and being fully armed, only 
wanted a fresh horse. So he dismounted his 
poor weary beast, and without putting foot in 
stirrup leapt on the back"of a fine charger, whose 
rider had been unhorsed by Le Basque. 

Being once more well mounted, he raised his 
cry of, ^'France! France !' Bayard! Bayard!" 
with the mocking words added, '' He whom you 
have let go ! " 



78 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

When the Spaniards heard his name, and 
realized the'grave mistake they had made in allow- 
ing their prisoner to retain his arms, without even 
saying, " recours ou non," that is to say, without 
his having sworn to fight no more, ^' rescue or no 
rescue " (for if Bayard had given his parole he 
would never have broken it), their hearts failed 
them, and they said among themselves, ^' Let us 
return to our camp. We shall do no good here 
to-day." They left at a gallop, and the French, 
seeing the shadows of night approaching, and 
happy at having recovered their beloved leader, 
returned gaily to their quarters, and for a week 
at least the whole talk was of this adventure, and 
of Bayard's exploits. 

After these things the French did not remain 
long in the kingdom of Naples, though Captain 
Louis d'Ars and Bayard stayed some time longer. 
The majority of the troops went back to their 
native country in somewhat sorry plight. As 
they journeyed through Rome, Pope Julius 
treated them well, but afterwards, according to 
some, '^cheated them most thoroughly." Bayard 
and his Captain were to their great regret sum- 
moned to France by the King in 1504, where they 
were honourably welcomed. 

Pope Julius II. occupies a prominent place in 
the history of these times. He became Pope in 
September, 1503, and was in character more a 



THE BRIDGE 79 

soldier than a priest. Ten years was he Pope, 
and during that time was almost always at war. 
It should be remembered that he was a great 
patron of the arts, and was the friend and patron 
of Michael Angelo and of Raphael. It has been 
said that the ruling passion of his mind, next to 
ambition and love of power, was hatred of the 
court of France. 

The revolt of the Genoese caused the return 
of a French force into Italy. At this time Bayard 
was at Lyons, ill with a quartan fever from which 
he had suffered for seven years. His arm also 
troubled him much on account of a pike-thrust, 
which had been badly dressed and would not 
heal. On his return from Naples, Louis XII. 
had kept him as one of his squires of the stable, 
until the command of a company of men-at-arms 
was vacant. Thus honoured by his royal master. 
Bayard thought it would indeed be faint-hearted 
if he did not follow him across the Alps. So, ill 
as he was, he made his preparations and joined 
the rest of the force bound for Genoa. 

When the French army approached that city, 
they found the Genoese had constructed a strong 
bastion on the top of a mountain under which 
they must pass, held by good men and artillery, 
which much surprised them. The King 
assembled his captains and asked their advice. 
Some were for being prudent, thinking there 



80 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

might be a dangerously strong force there. 
Others were of opinion it was only a mob, who 
would not show much resistance. The King then 
turned to Bayard with the words, '' Bayard, what 
do you think?" 

'' On my faith, sire," he replied, " I cannot 
advise you. It would be better to go and see 
what they are doing up there. With your per- 
mission, within an hour I will bring you tidings, 
or perish, or be made prisoner in the attempt." 

" I beg of you to go," said the King, '' for you 
well understand such matters." 

Bayard did not delay to sound the alarm, and 
he was joined by several of his friends and com- 
panions, numbering perhaps about a hundred 
and twenty. Then he began to ascend the 
mountain, giving them a good lead. But they 
had to work hard before they could get to the 
top, where they halted to take breath, and then 
they marched straight towards the bastion. They 
encountered considerable resistance on their 
way, but at length the Genoese turned and fled, 
and their opponents wished to pursue them, but 
Bayard called out — 

" No, sirs, straight to the bastion. There may 
be some there who would surround us ; let us go 
and see." 

His advice was followed ; and as he had pre- 
dicted there were two or three hundred men in 



THE BRIDGE 81 

the bastion, who defended themselves at first with 
much energy, but who ended by abandoning 
their position, and flying like lightning down the 
mountain-side, till they reached the city. Thus 
was the bastion taken. 

After this the Genoese did not do much more, 
but surrendered themselves to the mercy of the 
King of France. 



CHAPTER X 
BEFORE PADUA 

IN the March of 1508 the Chevalier Bayard 
was sent for to the King of France, who 
thus addressed him — 

" Bayard, you are aware I am going against 
the Venetians, who have taken Cremona and 
other places. I desire that in this expedition 
you should raise for me some foot soldiers, 
although I have appointed you to the company 
of Captain Chatelard. Your lieutenant, Captain 
Pierrepont, a reliable man, can lead your men- 
at-arms." 

''Sire," replied Bayard, ''I will do your 
pleasure ; but how many infantry am I to 
escort?" 

"A thousand men; no one has more." 

''Sire," answered Bayard, "that is too many 
for my experience. I beg of you to give me 
only five hundred. I undertake they shall be 
well chosen ; but it seems to me that is enough 
for one man, if he does his duty." 

82 



BEFORE PADUA 8 

''Be it so/' said the King. ''Go at once to 
your Dauphiny, and arrange so as to be in 
Milan by the end of March." 

The men were raised by their captains, and 
so well did they do it on this occasion that by 
the beginning of April they were all in the 
Duchy of Milan, occupying the garrisons. 

The Venetians, who had been already chal- 
lenged by the herald Montjoie, resolved to 
defend themselves, and, knowing that the forces 
of the King of France were but small, levied a 
large army. 

Rapidly did Louis conquer many towns and 
strongholds of the Venetians, and even Pes- 
chiera, which was ably defended. Other towns 
such as Verona and Padua gave up their keys 
to him, and Louis passed them on to the Em- 
peror, who had not yet appeared in Italy. 

As the Emperor had only sent eight hundred 
lansquenets to guard Padua, which was six 
miles in circumference, it was re-taken. There- 
upon he sent a letter to the King of France 
begging him to send a reinforcement of five 
hundred men, so as to regain possession of it. 
Louis was very angry at this being necessary, 
and at the Emperor for having allowed it to be 
taken through sending such a small force to 
garrison it ; however, he ordered the Lord de la 
Palice to go with five hundred picked men to 



84 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Padua to reinforce the troops there. The Lord 
de la Palice, who loved similar commissions (for 
life spelt war to him), made his preparations. 

As he left the castle of Milan, he met Bayard, 
and said — 

''Shall we go together, my friend?" 

Bayard desired nothing better, and readily 
agreed, subject to the consent of his chief. 

The Emperor Maximilian was expected long 
before he arrived, which was not till August. 
He met the French captains at the little town of 
Este, and welcomed them heartily. He had 
brought a very fine army with him, having 
entered Lombardy with all the pomp of an 
Emperor ; and if his troops had done their duty, 
he might have conquered the world. 

He had six pieces of artillery, the smallest of 
which was a falconet or small cannon. He had 
also ten pieces of heavy ordnance, which could 
not be fired off from their gun-carriages, but 
were drawn on strong waggons and accom- 
panied by cranes ; and when they were to be 
fired, they were placed on the ground and the 
mouth of the piece was raised slightly with the 
crane and supported by a large piece of wood, 
and behind was a solid butt to prevent the recoil. 
These pieces fired off bullets of stone almost too 
heavy to be lifted, and they could never be fired 
more than four times a day at the most. A 



BEFORE PADUA 85 

great fault in this artillery was that it had only 
the means of transporting half the guns at once ; 
and when marching, a part of the army had 
always to remain to guard half of it, till the 
waggons should return after having conveyed 
the first half! 

The Emperor first established his camp about 
eight miles from Padua, and there summoned a 
council of war, at which it was decided that the 
French men-at-arms and the lansquenets (the 
most distinguished German regiment) were to 
lead the approach to Padua. But first it was 
necessary to take the small town of Monselice, 
which had a very strong fortress. This was 
accomplished, and two days afterwards the army 
went straight to besiege Padua. 

Padua is a large city, difficult to attack, and 
was guarded by the Count Petigliano and a 
large force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery. It 
was settled that the chief camp, where the 
Emperor was, and also the French, should be 
stationed near one of the gates of the city, and 
Bayard with the other captains was to approach 
this gate. Now, in order to do this, they had 
to march along a long road, straight as a dart, 
across which there were four strong barricades 
two hundred paces apart, and each well defended. 
Each side of this road there were deep ditches, 
and from the walls of the city there poured 



86 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

a constant fire from the artillery stationed 
there. 

Notwithstanding all these obstacles, Bayard 
and his companions pressed forward, and soon 
came to the first barricade, which they assaulted 
and captured under a hail from the arquebuses, 
driving the enemy back to the second. This 
also was taken, and the third was abandoned by 
the enemy, in order that they might concentrate 
all their powers of resistance on the fourth and 
last barricade. Not much harm was done the 
assailants, although the defenders were now 
inspired with new courage by the thought that 
the fight would soon be at the very ramparts. 
The assault lasted an hour, a hand-to-hand fight 
with sword and arquebuse. Bayard then called 
out — 

"Gentlemen, these men amuse us far too 
long. Dismount and force the barricade." 

Thirty or forty men-at-arms at once dis- 
mounted, and with visors raised, marched 
straight at it. The brave Prince of Anhalt and 
other noblemen marched by Bayard's side; but 
the Venetians were being constantly reinforced 
from the city, and when Bayard realized this, he 
shouted — 

^' Gentlemen, we may stay here for six years 
without doing anything ; for their men are 
replaced every moment. Charge them ! And 



BEFORE PADUA 87 

let every one act as I do." This was agreed 
to, and Bayard shouted again, '^ Sound the 
trumpet ! " 

Then, like a lion robbed of its whelps, he 
dashed forward with his men, and making a 
furious assault, forced the Venetians to retreat 
from the barricade at the point of the pike. 
Then crying, ''Forward, comrades, they are 
ours ! " he, and about thirty or forty others, 
vaulted over the barrier. The rest of the 
French seeing the danger in which the fore- 
most stood, did not hesitate to follow them, and 
amid the cries of '' France ! France ! Empire ! 
Empire!" they charged so violently that their 
enemies turned their backs and fled broken and 
disordered into the city. Thus were taken the 
barricades of Padua, in broad daylight — an 
achievement which did great credit to the 
French cavalry and infantry, and especially to 
Bayard himself. 

Having gained the approach to the city, the 
artillery was ranged at the edge of the moat, 
and remained there six weeks, till the siege was 
raised. 

The day after the barricades were taken, the 
bombardment began. It lasted for eight days 
and was most terrible, all the camp being 
engaged in it, and those in the walls using their 
artillery with great skill against their assailants. 



88 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

At length a very large breach was made, and 
the Emperor resolved to attack the city. But 
first we must speak of an adventure of Bayard. 

During the siege there were frequent alarms 
in the Emperor's camp, sometimes caused by 
sallies from the city, and sometimes by the 
Venetians from a garrison some twenty miles 
distant. There was a certain Messire Malvezzi; 
a most enterprising soldier, and two or three 
times a week he would come and rouse the 
Emperor's camp without ever losing a man. 
This behaviour much vexed Bayard, and without 
saying a word, he learnt by means of well-paid 
spies the movements of Messire Malvezzi, and 
he resolved to go out and meet him. So he 
went to two of his company who lodged with 
him and said— 

'' Gentlemen, we have been tricked enough by 
Messire Malvezzi ; not a day passes but he gives 
us an alarm, and the talk is all of him. I am not 
jealous of him, but I am vexed that he does not 
know us better. Will you come and fight him ? " 

'' We will follow you," was the reply. There- 
upon Bayard explained his plan of action. 

Between two and three in the morning in the 
month of September, a chosen body of men 
mounted their horses, very quietly, and with no 
sound of trumpet. An excellent guide, whom 
Bayard had procured, led the way, guarded by 



BEFORE PADUA 89 

four archers. He was promised a good sum, if 
he did his duty well, and death if he deceived his 
employers. Spies were often traitors, but this 
one acquitted himself well, taking them across 
country till the day dawned. They then dis- 
covered they had reached a large palace enclosed 
in high walls, and the spy told them that if 
Malvezzi visited their camp he must of necessity 
pass by there, and that if they entered the palace, 
which was deserted on account of the war, they 
would see him pass. All agreed to this plan, and 
waited in the empty palace about two hours, 
Bayard having posted an old and very experi- 
enced archer in a dovecot, from whence he could 
see who came. In due time this archer reported 
with joy, that he had seen Malvezzi with two 
or three hundred well-mounted men. Bayard 
ordered them to re-strap their horses, for they 
had no pages or attendants with them, and 
said — 

^' Gentlemen, it is ten years since we had such 
an adventure. They are twice our number, but 
that is nothing. Let us after them." 

'^ Come on ! Come on ! " was the reply. So 
the horses were mounted, and they went at a 
quick pace after the band. 

^' Sound the trumpet," shouted Bayard, and 
the trumpet sounded no uncertain note, we 
may be sure. 



90 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

The Venetians never dreamt that the French 
were behind them, but thought it was some of 
their own party also sallying forth. However 
they stopped; and at last recognized that they 
were enemies. Malvezzi called on his men to 
stand firm, to be either victors or vanquished, 
there being no middle course, hemmed in as 
they were by a deep ditch on either side of the 
road, too wide for an ordinary horse to ford. 
The trumpet sounded on each side, and the 
two bands rushed at each other to the cries 
of " Empire ! Empire ! France ! France ! " and 
"Marco! Marco!" It was a furious fight, and ended 
in the defeat of Malvezzi, who however, being 
exceptionally well mounted, leapt his horse across 
the ditch, and followed by some others equally 
fortunate in their horses, escaped. It would have 
been a waste of time to attempt to follow them. 

The French returned to their camp with their 
prisoners, more numerous than they themselves. 
Reaching the camp they found the Emperor 
walking outside, who seeing the dust they all 
caused, asked what it was. He was very pleased, 
and congratulated each Captain, and said to 
Bayard — 

" My Lord of Bayard, my brother your master 
is happy to have such a follower as yourself. I 
would give a hundred thousand florins to have a 
dozen such as you ! " 




I WOULD GIVE A HUNDRED THOUSAND FLORINS TO HAVE A DOZEN SUCH AS YOU ! 



CHAPTER XI 

THE END OF THE SIEGE 

"ITSTE have said that the artillery of the 
Emperor had made a large breach in the 
walls. Three joined in one amounted to half a 
mile in length. When Maximilian found how 
large an opening it was, he was ashamed an 
assault had not been made sooner, and calling 
one of his French secretaries, he dictated a letter 
to the Lord de la Palice, in these terms — 

''My Cousin,— I have this morning seen the 
breach in the walls, which is more than sufficient. 
I have therefore determined to make the assault 
this very day. I beg therefore, that at the sound 
of my great drum, that is to say, at noon, you 
will have ail the French gentlemen under your 
command ready for my service, according to the 
orders of my brother the King of France, to go 
to the assault with my infantry. I hope with the 
help of God, we shall be victorious." 

The Lord de la Palice thought this a strange 

91 



92 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

proceeding, but he only said to the secretary who 
delivered the letter, that he was surprised the 
Emperor had not summoned them to consult on 
the matter, that he would show the French 
Captains the letter, and that he did not doubt 
their obedience. 

So the Captains were summoned to his house ; 
but we must first just mention a curious thing. 
The rumour had got about that the assault was 
to be made immediately, and not only were 
priests most eagerly sought for to hear confes- 
sions, as was very usual before a serious battle, 
but they were wanted to take charge of large 
sums of money, for never was a camp so rich as 
this one. Not a day passed but cattle, and corn, 
and silk, and other things were sent into Germany, 
and well paid for. But to return to the Captains. 
The Lord de la Palice greeted them with the 
words — 

" Gentlemen, we must dine, for I have some- 
thing to tell you afterwards which might take 
away your appetites." 

He spoke of course in jest, for he knew each 
one to be another Hector or Roland, and 
particularly Bayard; who was never agitated at 
anything he saw or heard. After dinner (we 
must remember how early the dinner-hour was 
then) he read the Emperor's letter twice, that it 
might be fully understood. His audience looked 



THE END OF THE SIEGE 93 

at each other, smiling, and waited to see who 
would speak first. At last one nobleman 
said — 

'' It is not worth thinking about, my Lord de 
la Palice ; tell the Emperor we are all ready. I 
am tired of being in this country, for the nights 
are cold ; and the best wine has nearly come to 
an end." 

Every one laughingly agreed. Bayard alone 
said nothing, till La Palice turned to him with 
the remark— 

^^ How now, Hercules of France, what do you 
say?" 

Bayard replied merrily, for he loved a jest, 
but he pointed out that it was a poor amusement 
to march in on foot with the rank and file of the 
Emperor's infantry, that all the French volun- 
teers were gentlemen, and that to expect them 
to do so was not treating them, or their master, 
the King of France, properly. If the German 
counts, lords, and gentlemen would also go on 
foot, the French gentlemen would show them 
the way willingly. As to the lansquenets — they 
could follow if they saw matters were turning 
out well. 

This opinion was agreed to, and it was 
suitably communicated to the Emperor, who 
found it reasonable; and the trumpet was 
sounded and the drum beaten to summon his 



J" 



94 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

staff. He then announced that he was resolved 
to proceed to the assault in one hour, and that 
he had informed the French of this, who were 
quite willing to do their duty, provided the 
gentlemen of Germany would march with them. 

'' Therefore, my Lords," he added, " I beg of 
you to accompany them on foot. I trust that in 
the first assault we shall by the help of God 
vanquish our enemies." 

And then arose such a hubbub which was 
not stilled under half an hour. At first one spoke 
for all the others, and said it was not their duty 
to attack the breach on foot, their place was to 
fight like gentlemen on horseback. And no 
other reply could the Emperor obtain, and 
dissolved the meeting, saying — 

" Well then, my Lords, you must tell us 
what is to be done for the best." 

His vexation may be imagined when he knew 
the willingness of the French captains, while 
his own would do nothing for him. The next 
morning, angry and depressed, he left the camp 
very quietly, accompanied by a body of cavalry, 
and his most trusted followers, and went without 
stopping thirty or forty miles from Padua, 
towards Germany. He sent his commands from 
there to his own Lieutenant-General, and to the 
Lord de la Palice to remove the camp as 
creditably as they could. 



THE END OF THE SIEGE 95 

Every one was astonished at this decision, 
but there was nothing to be done. French and 
German captains now held council together, and 
decided to raise the siege, which was by no 
means easy because of the artillery, which as we 
have said, could only be removed half at a time. 
The French were left in charge of the artillery, 
which the noble Prince of Anhalt, trusting them 
more than his own countrymen, arranged. They 
worked, ready for fighting, from the dawn of 
day till two o'clock the next night, scarcely 
taking time to eat. The siege was raised, how- 
ever, without the loss of a single man to the 
Emperor or to the French. The worst feature 
was the lansquenets burnt every house they 
could as they passed by, and Bayard out of good 
feeling sent some of his men to protect the place 
where he himself had been quartered, till after 
they had passed by. He was no friend to such 
wanton destruction. 

The army advanced by stages to Vicenza, 
from whence the Emperor sent presents to all 
the French captains. Here the troops separa- 
ting. Bayard went into garrison at Verona. 

He was there in the winter after the retreat 
from Padua, and the Venetians were encamped 
about fifteen miles away. On their side was 
a very daring and intrepid captain named 
Monfroni, who each day made a sortie up to the 



96 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

very gates of Verona. This irritated Bayard, 
and he resolved to go out with his foragers him- 
self, and if possible make use of some of the 
tricks of war against them; but he could do 
nothing without its being reported to Captain 
Monfroni by a spy within the French quarters. 

One Thursday morning the foragers left 
Verona escorted by the brave Captain Pierre- 
pont. They left the high-road to find the small 
country houses which furnished them with 
provisions, Bayard with a hundred men-at- 
arms going to a small village, and on the look- 
out for the Venetians. Soon his scouts reported 
that a body of cavalry was coming, and he went 
to meet them. But Captain Monfroni, knowing 
his movements through the spy, had stationed 
a number of men in a neighbouring palace. 
When Bayard saw the enemy and was going to 
charge them, they withdrew to near this ambush, 
and the men rushed out from it, and threw 
themselves with fierce cries on the French. 
Bayard's horse was killed and the animal fell 
on his master's foot, imprisoning him till one 
of his comrades came to his assistance. Both 
horse and rider were taken prisoners. 

At this moment Captain Pierrepont, who 
was with the foragers, hearing the noise, came 
up just at the critical instant, and forced the 
Venetians to abandon their capture in their own 



THE END OF THE SIEGE 97 

defence. So Bayard and his rescuer were able 
to remount and join their own men. However, 
they were outnumbered so that even Bayard 
said — 

'' Captain, if we do not reach the high-road 
we are lost. Once there, we may retire in spite 
of them without danger. 

'^ That is my advice also," replied Pierrepont ; 
and the high-road was at length reached with 
much difficulty, but without losing a man. 
Then the retreat began, though they had con- 
stantly to turn and face their enemies, who 
harassed them incessantly ; and at last Bayard 
had another horse killed under him. When he 
felt the poor animal stagger, he leapt to the 
ground, and, notwithstanding his prowess, he 
would have fared badly, had it not been for his 
standard-bearer, who with his archers charged 
so vehemently, that he extricated his captain 
from the midst of the Venetians, and re-mounted 
him. 

The night was drawing on, and Bayard 
stopped any further charging, saying it was 
enough to beat an honourable retreat. Monfroni, 
seeing he could do no more harm, and fearing 
help might arrive from Verona, sounded the 
retreat, and returned with his cavalry to his 
garrison. But his foot-soldiers were much 
fatigued, having fought for many hours at a 

H 



98 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

stretch, and insisted on stopping some five 
miles short of their quarters. 

Bayard and his followers were lodging for 
the night at the village of Saint-Martin, and 
while they were there, supping gaily, a spy 
came to Bayard who reported that Captain 
Monfroni had returned furious, declaring he had 
had to deal with devils rather than with men. 
The spy also said that in passing through a 
village a few miles from Verona, he had found 
it full of foot-soldiers, who seemed very tired. 

'' Those are our friends of a little while ago," 
said Bayard ; ^' they would not march back all the 
way. They are ours, if we like; the moon is 
bright. Let us supper our horses, and about 
four o'clock in the morning we will go and wake 
them." 

The horses were attended to, the watch was 
set, and they took a brief rest. But very early 
and very quietly Bayard and his men re-mounted 
their horses, and rode to the village where the 
Venetians were. They found them fast asleep, 
and no guard whatsoever, and, as they emerged 
half awake from the houses where they were, 
they were all killed except three, who were 
exchanged for French prisoners. One would 
prefer to say that Bayard had saved their lives, 
but those were rough times, in which every man 
had to take his chance, and twice that day had 



THE END OF THE SIEGE 99 

Bayard himself been all but taken, ever holding 
his own life cheap, and sometimes probably 
also the lives of others. The Loyal Serviteur 
makes no comment on this incident, he merely 
relates it. 



A 



CHAPTER XII 
BAYARD AND POPE JULIUS 

ND now the figure of another hero flits across 
the canvas in the person of Gaston de Poix, 
Duke of Nemours, and nephew to the King of 
France, a very young man of not much over 
twenty, but a true soldier, and with talents and 
military skill far beyond his years. 

In the beginning of 1510 this noble Duke, 
bringing in his company Captain Louis d'Ars, 
came into Italy, where he met with a warm 
reception from all, and especially from his old 
friend Bayard, who was also delighted to wel- 
come his old Captain Louis d'Ars. They soon 
proceeded with other troops under the command 
of different noblemen to the siege of Legnago, 
a strong fortress which was still held by the 
Venetians. It yielded, however, to the good 
artillery of the besiegers, who were possessed 
of one remarkable piece, a culverin of great 
length, which went by the name of " Le grand 
diable." Not long after this the Emperor's 

100 



BAYARD AND POPE JULIUS 101 

troops and the Spanish contingent marched into 
Venetian territory. 

About this time a most terrible incident 
occurred. Some of the troops came to a village 
called Longaro, where there was a kind of cave 
in the mountain, called ''the grotto of Longaro." 
The people all around, frightened by the war, 
had taken refuge in this cave in great numbers, 
where they had plenty of provisions with them, 
and sufficient arquebuses and other weapons 
to defend the opening. So it was practically 
impregnable, for only one person could approach 
it at a time. The lowest class of the soldiery, 
always given to pillaging, arrived at the cave 
and demanded entrance; but they were bidden 
to retire, and assured there was nothing there 
worth their having, for the people inside had 
left all their goods in their own houses. The 
rascals tried to force an entrance, and two were 
killed, while the others went and fetched their 
comrades, who, when they saw it was impossible 
to enter, devised a dastardly and wicked plan. 
They built up the doorway with wood and 
straw and hay, and set fire to it. Soon the 
smoke filled the grotto, which could only get 
air through the entrance, and the people 
inside were suffocated. When the fire had 
now spent itself they entered the cave, to 
find there men and women of the nobility 



102 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

lying dead on the ground, as if they were 
sleeping. 

The adventurers got a great deal of booty ; 
but all the Captains were extremely angry, and 
especially Bayard, who spent the whole day in 
seeking for the authors of this cruelty. He 
traced two, perhaps partly by their ears (or 
rather want of them), which showed they had 
already been in the hands of justice, and they 
were hanged before the grotto. Bayard was 
himself present at their execution, and while 
he was there, he saw a boy of about fifteen 
emerge from the recesses of the cave, quite 
yellow with the smoke and more dead than 
alive. When he was asked how he had escaped, 
he answered that he went to the end of the 
cave farthest from the opening, and there was 
a tiny cleft in the rock, which gave him air. 
He told a piteous story of how some, seeing the 
fire being prepared, wished to go out at all 
hazards, but the others could not bring them- 
selves to consent. 

Soon after this, the troops were preparing to 
go and again besiege Padua, but the news came 
that Pope Julius had raised a numerous army 
against the Duke of Ferrara, and the latter 
asked for the help of the French. It is said 
that to console themselves for being disap- 
pointed of besieging Padua, a number of young 



BAYARD AND POPE JULIUS 103 

Frenchmen rode at full gallop right up to the 
gates, planted there their lances decked with the 
colours of their ladies, and then rode off. 

Pope Julius, who desired to take the Duchy 
of Ferrara, sent to the Countess of Mirandola, 
requiring her to give up that town ; but she was 
the daughter of Trivulzio, and being like her 
father, French at heart, refused to do so. The 
Pope was very angry, and commanded his 
nephew the Duke d'Urbino to besiege Mirandola. 
She asked for help from the Duke of Ferrara, a 
wise and good prince, and he sent a body of 
men and also some French gentlemen. Bayard 
escorted them to the town, but did not enter it 
with them. Three days after they had reached 
it, the siege began. 

Bayard, who never grudged paying his spies, 
learnt through them that the Pope was going 
to be present at the siege, and he said to the 
Duke of Ferrara and another nobleman — 

^' My Lords, I have heard that the Pope will 
leave San Felice to-morrow morning to go to 
Mirandola. There are six good miles between 
them. I have an idea, and if it pleases you, it 
will be talked of a hundred years hence. Two 
miles from San Felice there are two or three 
deserted palaces ; I will take possession of one 
with my men-at-arms, without pages or 
attendants, and when the Pope passes (I know 



104 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

he will only have his Cardinals and Bishops, 
and notaries, and a guard of a hundred horse- 
men) I will emerge from my ambush, and 
certainly capture him." 

This advice was thought good, and Bayard 
set about executing his project; he met neither 
man nor woman who would betray him, and 
before dawn he was lodged in one of the palaces. 
The Pope, who was an early riser, mounted his 
litter as soon as it was light. The clerks and 
notaries and officials of all sorts went first to 
prepare the quarters. As soon as Bayard heard 
them coming he left his ambush and charged 
them, which so frightened them that they fled, 
crying, " Alarm ! Alarm ! " But that was no use, 
and Pope, Cardinals, and Bishops would all 
have been taken, but for a piece of good fortune 
for the Pope, and ill-luck for Bayard. The 
former had only gone a very little way in his 
litter when there came the sharpest and most 
violent snowstorm that had been seen for a 
century. It was blinding, and the Cardinal of 
Pavia said — 

''Holy Father, it is impossible to travel while 
this continues. Cost what it may, you must 
stop and return." 

The Pope consented, and Bayard, pursuing 
the flying suite, arrived at San Felice at the 
very moment when the Pope was entering the 



BAYARD AND POPE JULIUS 105 

castle. Julius II. heard the noise of the pursuit, 
and leaping out of his litter without assistance, 
helped to raise the bridge with his own hands. 
He acted like a man of spirit. Had he delayed 
a moment he would have been captured. 

If any one was ever vexed it was Bayard then ! 
He knew the castle was barely fortified, and he 
could have taken it in a quarter of an hour ; but 
he had no artillery, besides he might be sur- 
prised by the troops besieging Mirandola. He 
was forced, therefore, to return, having taken 
as many prisoners as he wanted, including two 
Bishops, and several baggage-mules ; but he 
was very sad at his failure to capture the Pope. 
This latter sent to his nephew, who came with 
four hundred men and escorted him to the siege 
of Mirandola. 

The place was taken after three weeks, and 
again the Pope was befriended by the snow; it 
fell continuously for six days and six nights, and 
it covered the camp to the height of a man. 
After the snow it froze so hard that the ice in 
the ditches of Mirandola was two feet thick, and 
a cannon which with its carriage fell on it from 
above did not break it. Terms were at last 
arranged by the Duke d'Urbino, who, having 
been brought up at the court of Louis XII., was 
French at heart. The Pope would not enter 
the town by one of the gates ; he caused a bridge 



106 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

to be thrown over the moat, and made his entry 
through one of the breaches. 

The next place to be attacked by the Papal 
troops was a fortress called Bastida, about 
twenty miles from Ferrara. The Governor of 
Bastida had but few men with him, and was 
alarmed at the advent of the enemy and sent 
to the Duke of Ferrara. Bayard met the 
messenger and took him to the Duke. When 
he read the letter he turned pale, and said, 
shrugging his shoulders — 

*' If I lose Bastida I am lost ; but I cannot 
rescue the place in time, for help must arrive 
to-morrow morning. Now, Bastida is a good 
twenty-five miles march, and for half a mile the 
men must go in single file. The enemy with twenty 
men could bar the passage of ten thousand." 

" My lord," said Bayard, ^' if it were a small 
matter one might hesitate, but if it is a question 
of ruin one ought to hazard everything. If 
fortune is not too much against us, I think we 
may manage it. Take two thousand infantry, 
and Captain Jacob's body of Swiss, send them 
by boat on the river, they will wait for us by 
the pass you mention. The men-at-arms will 
march on foot all night to join them ; we shall 
give battle to the assailants before they are 
prepared to expect us, and my heart tells me 
we shall conquer them." 



BAYARD AND POPE JULIUS 107 

This counsel was approved by the Duke and 
his captains. They secretly prepared the boats, 
in which the foot-soldiers embarked with skilled 
and trusty boatmen. The men-at-arms, with the 
Duke in person, joined them, and Bayard 
organized the attack so as to surprise the enemy 
on every side. The Papal troops fought for a 
good hour, but none the less they lost their 
camp and there was a general stampede, and 
very many men were killed, while their 
opponents found it somev/hat difficult to carry 
off all the booty that fell to them. 

The Pope was at Mirandola when he heard 
the news about Bastida, and he was in despair 
of getting Ferrara. So he bethought him of 
another plan. He sent one of his spies, named 
Guerlo, to the Duke of Ferrara, and proposed 
to get rid of the French, and to make an alliance 
with him. If the Duke agreed, he would give 
one of his nieces in marriage to his eldest son, 
whom he would make gonfalonier (Holy 
standard-bearer) and Captain-General of the 
Church. The Duke apparently accepted these 
propositions, but he would really have rather 
died a thousand deaths than betray the French 
to be cut down at the pass, which was the price 
of this alliance. 

He sought Bayard and told him all about 
it, adding that he would rather be lashed to 



108 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

four horses than think for a moment on such 
treachery. Bayard assured him he and his com- 
panions felt as safe as if they were in Paris, 
and the Duke suggested that he should try and 
gain over the spy to their side. He found the 
wretch only too willing, provided he were '^ well 
treated." He was near the Pope, he said, night 
and day, he brought him some light meal daily, 
and before a week was over he should be no 
longer living. Two thousand ducats sealed the 
bargain. 

Then the Duke returned to Bayard, whom 
he found cleaning a cannon, and told him what 
had happened. When he heard the Pope would 
be no longer living in a week, he exclaimed — 

"How so? Have you had a Divine vision 
my lord ? " 

"Never you mind. It will be so;" but he 
ended by saying that Guerlo had promised to 
poison the Pope. 

Then Bayard crossed himself more than ten 
times, and said — 

"My Lord, I could never have thought a 
prince like you could have consented to such 
treachery. If so, immediately, before nightfall, 
I would inform the Pope. God would never 
pardon such a crime." 

"He would have done the same to you 
or me." 



BAYARD AND POPE JULIUS 109 

"That matters not to me. He is God's 
Lieutenant upon earth, and I will never consent 
to his dying so." 

The Duke shrugged his shoulders and swore 
that he wished all his enemies to die so, but 
since Bayard objected the matter must drop, 
although they would all repent it. 

Then Bayard asked that the traitor might be 
given over to him that he might be hanged 
within an hour, but the Duke was faithful to 
his promise and sent the man away unharmed. 
Whether he told anything to the Pope, history 
does not say. 



CHAPTER XIII 

THE ASTKOLOGER 

/CONSIDERING that our most noted English 
^ astrologer and prophet^ Lilly, flourished a 
hundred and fifty years later than the times we 
are speaking of, we need not be surprised to 
find an astrologer mentioned in the history of 
Bayard, though his was not the life that the 
prophet too truly predicted would be cut short. 

The Emperor again asked for help from the 
King of France, the object now being to take the 
Tyrol from the Venetians, and La Palice, with 
several captains, including Bayard, was sent to 
him. But La Palice was very unfortunate 
through the ill-will of the German troops, and 
he lost a great number of men through disease. 
On the other hand, Mirandola was re-taken 
under Trivulzio, who himself said that, after 
God's help, the victory was due in great measure 
to the Lord of Bayard. Just at this time, the 
Lieutenant-General of the King of France died, 
and was succeeded by Gaston de Foix, the noble 



no 



THE ASTROLOGER 111 

Duke of Nemours, who, young as he was (about 
twenty-two), was well qualified for the high 
command. Towards the end of 151 1 he marched 
against the Swiss, but he had not enough troops 
with him. Nevertheless he advanced to the 
very gates of Milan, but there provisions failed, 
and he was forced to come to an arrangement 
and retire. 

After this, the Duke of Nemours, having 
learnt that the Spanish army was approaching 
Bologna, stopped at the small town of Carpi, 
and remained there two days, with those of his 
Captains whom he most trusted. Bayard amongst 
the number. He was very well received by the 
governor, who was a man of great knowledge, 
well versed in Greek and Latin literature. This 
governor entertained the Duke and his Captains 
at supper on the evening of their arrival. 
During supper the conversation turned on a 
certain astrologer, who was also a prophet, and 
whose numerous predictions had so often come 
true, that even the most incredulous were set 
thinking. 

When the Duke heard of this celebrity, being 
fond of novelty, as are most young people, he 
longed to see him, and begged that he might be 
sent for. The astrologer, a spare man of middle 
height, who might be about sixty years old, was 
not long in making his appearance., The Duke 



lis THE STORY OF BAYARD 

of Nemours extended his hand, and asked him in 
Italian how he was. The astrologer courteously 
replied; and many questions were asked him ; 
amongst others he was asked by the Duke 
whether the viceroy of Naples and the Spanish 
army expected a battle? He replied that they 
did, that it would take place either on Good 
Friday or on Easter Day, and that it would be 
attended with much loss. Again he was asked 
who would win the day, and he answered in 
these words — 

'' The field will remain in the possession of 
the French, the Spaniards will sustain heavier 
losses than they have for a hundred years ; but 
the French will gain but little, for they will lose 
so many men of worth and honour." 

The Lord de la Palice asked if he would fall 
in this battle. The astrologer told him, ''No," 
adding that he would live another twelve years 
or more, but that he would perish in battle. He 
gave a similar answer to the Lord of Imbercourt, 
and another he warned that he would be in 
danger of lightning. There was scarcely one 
present who did not ask him of his destiny. 
Bayard was standing by and laughing, and the 
Duke said to him — 

" My Lord of Bayard, I pray you, my friend, 
ask our master here what will happen to you." 

" I ought not to ask it," he replied, " for I am 




YOU WIL*. HE RICH IN HONOUR AND VIRTUE, ABOVE ALL THE CAPTAINS OF FRANCE 
BUT YOU WILL DIE IN WAR WITHIN TWELVE YEARS AT THE LATEST " 



THE ASTROLOGER 113 

convinced it will be nothing great, but since you 
desire it, I will do so." 

Then turning to the astrologer he said, " Tell 
me, good master, shall I one day be a great and 
wealthy lord ? " 

"You will be rich in honour and in virtue, 
above all the Captains of France; but seek not 
worldly goods. They are not for you. I warn 
you, that you will serve another King of France 
after him who now reigns, and he will love you 
and esteem you highly ; but the envy of others 
will stand in your way, and he will not confer on 
you the honours which you will merit; and I 
think that the fault will not rest with him." 

'' And this battle which is to be so disastrous, 
shall I survive it ? " 

'^ Yes ; but you will die in war within twelve 
years at the latest, and you will be killed by 
artillery. Otherwise you would never be slain, 
for you are too beloved by those under your 
orders to be left in danger." 

Every one was much interested or enter- 
tained, as the case might be, at the astrologer's 
predictions. On his side he observed that 
among all the Captains, the Duke of Nemours 
specially favoured de la Palice and Bayard, and 
he took them both apart and said to them 
privately — 

" My lords, I perceive that you love the noble 



114 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Prince, your commander. He merits a different 
fate, for his face shows the nobility of his nature. 
Take care of him on the day of battle ; he will be 
in danger of falling. If he escape, he will be one 
of France's greatest men, but it will be very 
difficult for him to do so. Take care of him ; no 
man will be in greater peril of death than he will 
be that day." 

Alas ! woe betide the hour when the prophet 
spoke so truly ! 

After Milan, Brescia was the most important 
place the French had in Italy, and this revolted 
and was re-taken by the Venetians before the 
Duke of Nemours could come to the rescue of 
the French Governor there, who still held the 
castle. To make matters worse, large reinforce- 
ments were on their way to help the Venetians. 
But the Duke marched so quickly to the rescue, 
that one knight on a valuable horse could not 
have accomplished the distance more rapidly 
than did his whole army. Fortunately, too, for 
the French, the commander of the reinforcements 
stopped to take a small castle which belonged to 
the King of France, and the Duke was not slow 
to take advantage of this, urging his forces on to 
do thirty miles in one day, and that in the heart 
of winter. He was rewarded by arriving at the 
scene of action before the reinforcements. 

When the French and the Venetians 



THE ASTROLOGER 115 

encountered each other, Bayard was indeed 
there, but he had suffered from fever all the 
previous night, and though he was on horseback, 
he was not armed, but merely in a black velvet 
robe. When, however, he saw that there was to 
be some fighting, he borrowed a corselet from a 
common soldier, put it over his robe, mounted a 
good horse, and rode towards the enemy with 
the advanced guard. After some hard fighting 
the reinforcement were driven back, being com- 
pletely defeated. Had they succeeded in reach- 
ing Brescia, it would never have been taken. 
The next day the Duke of Nemours was at the 
foot of the castle which had remained French, and 
was able to pass in provisions to its defenders. 
He assembled his Captains and decided to give 
the assault the following day, but wishing to 
avoid bloodshed he sent a herald inviting the 
besieged to surrender, but they would not. 

'' March on, then," said the Duke, ^' in the name 
of God and Saint Denis." 

It was not an easy place to take, for the 
artillery within the city poured down upon the 
assailants ; moreover, it had rained a little, which 
made the steep incline up to the castle slippery. 
The Duke took off his shoes, not wishing to 
be delayed, and many others followed the 
example. 

Bayard and others were furiously attacking 



116 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

the rampart, which was wonderfully well 
defended, and the cries of '' France ! France ! 
Bayard ! Bayard ! " were heard on all sides and 
replied to by the enemy by '' Marco ! Marco ! " 
Bayard was indeed the first to cross the rampart, 
a thousand men following, and the first fort was 
taken ; but our hero was wounded by a thrust 
from a pike, in the thigh. He thought he was 
mortally wounded, and urged his second in com- 
mand on, for the city was practically taken. He 
was, however, carried out of the battle by two 
of his archers, who bound up the wound as 
well as they could, tearing their shirts for 
bandages. When the news was brought to the 
Duke, he could not have felt more grieved if 
he himself had received the wound, and he 
cried out — 

^'Gentlemen, shall we not avenge the death 
of the most accomplished knight in the world ? 
Let each do his utmost ! " 

Brescia was re-conquered, and many of the 
Venetians lay in the '' grande place " in a sleep 
from which they would not awaken. Others 
fled and were cut down. The ringleader of the 
revolt was taken prisoner. After the capture of 
the city there was terrible pillage — many sad 
scenes — and much spoil for the victors. Nothing, 
however, is more certain than that the taking of 
Brescia was the ruin of the French in Italy, for 



THE ASTROLOGER 117 

the soldiers gained so much by pillage, that they 
tired of warfare. They had, however, enough 
martial spirit left for the battle of Ravenna a 
little later in the year — that battle predicted by 
the astrologer. 



CHAPTER XIV 
THE LADIES OF BRESCIA 

TO return to the wounded Bayard. When the 
archers who remained with him saw that 
the citadel was taken, they unhinged the door of 
the first house they came to, and laying Bayard 
on it as gently as they could, they took him into 
a handsome house near the environs of the city. 
It belonged to a rich gentleman, who himself had 
fled to a monastery, while his wife with two 
pretty daughters remained in the house, or 
rather in the loft where they concealed them- 
selves under some hay. When they heard a 
knocking, the lady, resigning herself to the mercy 
of God, went to open the door. She saw Bayard 
being brought in; but wounded as he was, he 
ordered two archers to guard the entrance, say- 
ing to them — 

'' Keep guard that no one enters unless it is our 
own men. I am sure, when it is known I am here, 
no one will enter by force. If I cause you to lose 
some gain b}^ staying here, I will make it up to 

ii8 



THE LADIES OF BRESCIA 119 

you." Thus showing what a recognized thing 
pillage was in those days. 

The archers obeyed him, and he was carried 
into a handsome room pointed out by the lady of 
the housC; who throwing herself on her knees, 
said — 

'' Noble Lord, I present to you this house; it 
is yours by right of war ; but I beg of you to 
save me and my two daughters from insult and 
injury." 

Bayard, who had naught but good intentions, 
replied— 

'' Madam, I know not if I shall recover from 
my wound, but as long as I live no harm will be 
done to you and your daughters any more than 
to myself Only keep them in their rooms, so 
they are not seen, no one will intrude where you 
do not desire it. I assure you that you have 
before you a gentleman who will not plunder 
you, but will show you all the courtesy he can." 

The lady was much reassured, and Bayard 
begged her to send for a surgeon who might 
dress his wound at once, and she went herself to 
seek him with one of the archers. When the 
surgeon came he pronounced the wound a deep 
one, but not mortal, and as soon as it was dressed 
Bayard inquired of his hostess where her 
husband was. The poor lady replied with 
tears — 



120 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

''On my honour, my Lord, I do not know if 
he is dead or alive. I think he must be in some 
monastery." 

'' Have him sought for, lady, and I will send 
to fetch him so he comes to no harm." 

And after inquiry had been made Bayard's 
stewards and two archers conducted him back. 
(We should imagine he felt very much ashamed 
of himself!) 

The Duke of Nemours remained seven or 
eight days in Brescia; reassuring the inhabitants, 
causing the dead to be buried, and punishing 
those who had aided in the revolt. He went at 
least once a day to see Bayard, and to cheer him 
up with such words as — 

''Ah, my Lord of Bayard, think only of 
getting well ; in a month's time we must give 
battle to the Spaniards, and I would rather lose 
everything than that you should not be there." 

" I will be carried in a litter rather than not 
be there," was the response. 

The Duke sent him one day five hundred 
crowns, which he divided between the two 
archers who had stayed with him. 

The King of France was very pleased at the 
victory of Brescia, but he was anxious for his 
nephew to end the war and give the Spaniards 
a decisive battle. Warfare is costly, and Louis 
did not wish to burden his people. Besides he 



THE LADIES OF BRESCIA 121 

knew that the King of England (the young Henry 
VIII.);was concocting some plot with a view to 
making a descent upon France; and the Swiss 
were doing likewise, so the troops in Italy might 
be needed. The Duke of Nemours went there- 
fore to meet the Spanish army, but for some 
little time there were only skirmishes, and no 
decisive battle, which must have been a great 
consolation to Bayard. 

In bed for a month or more, with fresh news 
of the camp and of an impending battle reaching 
him every day, he grew sadly weary of this in- 
action. One day he insisted on getting up and 
walking about the room to see if he could hold 
himself up. He found he was weak, but his high 
courage prevented his giving away, and he sent 
for the surgeon, and said— 

'' Tell me, my friend, if there is any danger in 
setting off; it seems to me I am nearly healed, 
and I am of opinion that to stay here will do me 
no good, it wearies me so." 

The surgeon, knowing the temperament of his 
patient, and being aware of his great wish to join 
the army, after giving him many injunctions, and 
instructing his barber how to treat him, gave 
the much wished-for permission. Bayard was 
delighted and thanked the surgeon, and resolved 
to depart in two days' time. 

The lady of the house looked upon herself 



1^2 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

and her husband and children as his prisoners, 
and she calculated that if he treated them as 
other such households had been treated by the 
French; they would have to pay him a large sum. 
She therefore thought she would take the initia- 
tive, and make him a handsome offering, hoping 
that he would be content with it, as she had 
always found him such an honest and noble man. 
The morning when Bayard was to leave the 
house after dinner, she entered his room, 
followed by one of the servants carrying a 
small steel casket. She found Bayard resting on 
a chair, having walked about continually to try 
his leg, but he rose when she entered, and would 
not suffer her to say a word till she was seated 
beside him. Then after many compliments she 
said — 

" Since you have been here, neither I nor the 
lowest of my people have sustained any injury ; 
your men have been very courteous, and have 
not taken a farthing's worth without paying for 
it. I do not forget that I and my daughters and 
my husband and all the household are your 
prisoners, and our goods belong to you. But 
knowing the nobleness of your heart which none 
can imitate, I am come to beg you to continue 
your generosity still further. Here is a small 
present I have brought, will you do us the 
honour to accept it ? " 



THE LADIES OF BRESCIA 123 

She took the casket which the servant held 
and opened it before Bayard, who saw it was 
well filled with ducats. He, who had never in 
his life taken any account of money, began to 
laugh, and said — 

'' Madam, how many ducats are there in this 
casket ? " 

The poor woman thought he was vexed to 
see so few, and answered — 

'' My Lord, there are only two thousand five 
hundred ducats ; but if you are not content, we 
will find more." 

'' By my faith, madam, if you were to give me 
a hundred thousand crowns you could not give 
me more pleasure than I have had from the kind 
welcome given to me in this house. I assure you 
that wherever I may be, as long as God allows 
me life, you will have a gentleman at your orders. 
As to your ducats, I will not have them, though 
I thank you. Take them back. All my life I 
have loved men rather than crowns, and I am as 
pleased as if this city had been yours and you 
had given it to me." 

The good lady was astonished at being thus 
denied, and would have knelt again, but Bayard 
would not listen till he had raised her, then she 
said — 

" My Lord, I am the most miserable woman 
if you refuse this slender present, which is 



lU THE STORY OF BAYARD 

nothing in comparison with the courtesy you 
have shown us, and which you still will show us." 

When Bayard saw how resolved she was, he 
said — 

'^ So be it; madam ; I will take it for love of 
you ; but go and seek your two daughters that I 
may bid them farewell." 

The poor lady, who was overjoyed now her 
present had been at last accepted, fetched her 
daughters, who were very beautiful, good, and 
well instructed, and who, during Bayard's illness, 
had amused him by their singing, and playing on 
the lute and spinet. They were also very clever 
needlewomen, and it may have amused him to 
watch them. While their mother went to fetch 
them. Bayard put the ducats in three heaps, two 
of one thousand, and one of five hundred. When 
the girls entered they knelt, and being raised by 
Bayard, the eldest spoke thus — 

^' My Lord, the two poor girls, whom you 
have honoured by protecting against all injury, 
come to take leave of you, and thank your lord- 
ship very humbly for the favour you have shown 
them, and they will always pray to God for 
you." 

Bayard, with tears in his eyes at seeing so 
much sweetness and humility combined with so 
much beauty, replied — 

" Ladies, you are doing what I ought to do. 



THE LADIES OF BRESCIA 125 

that is, to thank you for the good company you 
have been to me, for which I am very grateful. 
You know men of war are not usually furnished 
with pretty things to offer ladies. I am grieved 
to-day not to be able to present you with any- 
thing suitable. Your lady-mother has given me 
two thousand five hundred ducats, which you see 
on this table, I give a thousand to each of you, 
to help you to marry ; and by way of thanking 
me I beg you to pray to God for me." 

He then placed the ducats in their aprons, 
whether they would or not, and then addressed 
his hostess — 

'' Madam, I will take these five hundred ducats 
for myself, to distribute to the poor convents of 
ladies who have been plundered. I give you 
the charge of them, for you understand it better 
than I do. And now I take my leave of you." 

He took them all three by the hand, the ladies 
kneeling after the fashion of Italy, and weeping 
as bitterly as if they were going to death. A few 
more farewell words, and they withdrew. 

Bayard then took leave of the master of the 
house, whom he invited to dine with him. Then 
he called for his horses, being all the time in 
great fear that the battle would begin without 
him. As he left his room to mount and start, 
the girls came down and gave him each a present 
which they had worked during his illness. One 



126 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

gave him two pretty and daintily worked brace- 
lets (or armlets) in fine gold and silver thread ; 
and the other a purse upon crimson satin 
cleverly embroidered. He thanked them both, 
saying that the present from such hands was 
worth ten thousand crowns, and he put the 
bracelets on his arms, and the purse in his 
sleeve, and assured them that he would wear 
them as long as they lasted for love of them. 
Then he mounted his horse. 

When he rejoined the army near Ravenna, 
he was received with great joy by the Duke of 
Nemours and the other captains; and the men- 
at-arms and the common soldiers made such a 
noise that it seemed as if Bayard had reinforced 
the army by ten thousand men. 



CHAPTER XV 
RAVENNA 

IT THEN the gallant Duke of Nemours was 
^ ^ before Ravenna, he called his captains to 
a council of war. The French were beginning to 
want provisions ; and besides that, the Emperor 
had written a letter to one of his captains, Jacob 
Emser, to order him to withdraw his lansquenets. 
Fortunately this captain was French at heart, and 
very much attached to the Duke and to Bayard, 
to the latter of whom he showed the letter, 
before any one else saw it. Bayard urged him 
to keep it secret till after the battle, but it was 
necessary that that should soon take place, 
partly from lack of provisions, and partly before 
a second letter from the Emperor should come. 

In the council of war many of the captains 
represented to the Duke the great danger that 
would be incurred by an immediate battle, but 
Bayard, knowing of the impending withdrawal 
of the German troops, urged that it should take 

place as soon as possible. 

127 



128 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

" The more you delay/' said he, ^' the worse 
prepared for it we shall be, for our men have no 
provisions, and our horses are eating willow 
shoots. Our master the King writes to you to 
give battle for the safety of his Duchy of Milan, 
and of France. So I advise that we fight at once, 
but with prudence, for we have to deal with a 
crafty and courageous foe. It will be dangerous 
(that is certain), but one thing comforts me — the 
Spaniards have been a year in this country, and, 
fed like a fish in the water, are fat and heavy, 
while our men have been and are, in want of 
food. So they will have longer breath than our 
enemies. He who shall fight the longest will 
win the field." 

This caused a laugh, for Bayard knew how 
to choose his words, and he got his way. The 
Duke made his soldiers rest before the conflict 
which might take place any hour, the enemy 
being about two miles distant. He asked Bayard 
to skirmish in such a manner that his presence 
might be known by them, as the Spanish 
prisoners always inquired if he were in the 
camp, so much was he thought of 

Once again the Duke assembled his captains, 
and said to them — 

'' My Lords, you know how we lack pro- 
visions ; this large city of Ravenna beards us on 
one side, the enemy are a cannon-shot from us. 



RAVENNA 129 

and the Venetians and the Swiss threaten to 
descend on Milan, where we have but few men 
left ; moreover, the King, my uncle, urges me 
each day to engage in battle. Therefore, for all 
these reasons, for our own interest and that of 
our master, it seems to me we have no time to 
lose, and we must seek our foes. If fortune is 
on our side, we will thank God— if not, let His 
will be done." 

The Lord de la Palice, Captain Louis d'Ars, 
and others were of this opinion, and it was 
agreed to march on the enemy the next day, 
which was Easter Day. Bayard asked for a 
plan of the attack to be made, so that each 
might know what he had to do. A bridge of 
boats was built over a little canal that ran 
between the two armies, over which the artillery 
and the foot-soldiers could pass. As to the 
horsemen, they could easily ford it. The next 
morning the lansquenets began to pass over 
first, and one French captain called out to his 
men : " What, shall the lansquenets get to the 
enemy before we do ? I would rather have lost 
an eye ! " and he began, all booted and clothed 
as he was, to wade through the water followed 
by his men, and they made such good speed that 
they were on the other side sooner than the 
Germans. 

While the troops passed, the Duke de 

K 



130 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

Nemours left his quarters in good time, fully 
armed except his helmet. On going out he 
looked at the sun lately risen, and said to those 
around him — 

'' Look, gentlemen, how red the sun is." 

There was present there a gentleman whom 
he was very fond of and who replied — 

'^ Do you know what that signifies, my Lord ? 
It means that some great prince or captain will 
die to-day. It must be either you or the viceroy 
of Naples." 

The Duke laughed, and went on to see his 
army pass. While he was waiting he walked 
along the canal with Bayard, and they saw on 
the other side a troop of Spaniards, with whom 
they entered into conversation. Their captain, 
who was Pedro de Paz (the very short hump- 
backed man) learnt that he was speaking to 
Captain Bayard who had gained such glory in 
the kingdom of Naples, and he said — 

'' By my faith, my Lord of Bayard, though I 
know we have gained nothing by your arrival, 
and I hold your camp reinforced by two thousand 
men, I am glad to see you. Would God there 
might be an honourable peace between your 
master and mine, that we might hold converse 
together ; for I have loved you all my life on 
account of your great prowess." 

Bayard courteously more than returned his 



RAVENNA 131 

compliments. The Spanish captain then asked 
who he had with him, to whom so much deference 
was paid. On learning that it was the Duke of 
Nemours, he and his men alighted and humbly 
saluted him. The Duke asked him then if, to 
save bloodshed, the viceroy would not consent 
to settle all differences by a single-handed 
combat with himself. This was declined, and 
each returned to his own business. 

The Spanish camp was well placed, and 
protected by a large trench, behind which their 
infantry could lie flat down, sheltered from the 
French artillery. When once the river was 
passed, the Duke marched his men forward. 
The Spaniards shot many of them down, but 
they still pressed on, and great loss was inflicted 
on the enemy by two pieces of artillery which 
Bayard had brought to the edge of the stream. 

The Duke was much pleased to be in the 
first engagement, in which his men lowered their 
visors and fearlessly marched on their foes, who 
now craftily divided so as to surround them. 
Bayard perceived this ruse, and warned the 
Duke— 

" My Lord, let us divide into two parties till 
we have passed the trench, for they are trying 
to surround us." 

The Spaniards attacked, crying, " Spain ! 
Spain ! Sant' Yago ! " and made a furious charge, 



132 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

but were received with equal fury by the French 
who cried, '^ France ! France ! Aux chevaux ! 
Aux chevaux ! " For the Spaniards always tried 
to kill the horses, according to their proverb, ''If 
the steed be slain, the knight is lost." The fight 
lasted half an hour, then there was a brief pause 
while the troops, face to face with each other, 
took breath, and again the conflict raged with 
even greater impetuosity than before. The 
Spaniards were more numerous than the French, 
till the Duke of Ferrara and others came to 
assist the Duke of Nemours. On the arrival of 
this fresh band the fury of the combat knew no 
bounds. At last the Spaniards were forced to 
abandon the field, where, between two trenches, 
there perished many men-at-arms, and several 
Neapolitan princes, whose lives were spared, 
were taken prisoners. All were anxious to 
begin the pursuit, and Bayard having ascer- 
tained that the Duke of Nemours was not 
wounded, said to him — 

''God be praised! You have gained the 
battle and covered yourself with glory ; but do 
not advance further, and call your men-at-arms 
together. Let no one pillage yet, for it is not 
the time. Captain Louis d'Ars and I will go 
after the fugitives, that they do not retreat 
behind their infantry. Do not go from here till 
we come and fetch you." 



RAVENNA 133 

The Duke promised, but he did not keep his 
promise, and evil befell him. We have said that 
the Spanish foot-soldiers v^ere lying on the 
ground in a sheltered position. They were 
forced to rise by a body of Gascons, and when 
they were brought into the field they worked 
havoc there among the French, and some of the 
fugitives passed by the victorious Duke of 
Nemours He, thinking they were his infantry, 
grew desperate, and without looking who 
followed him, rushed to a causeway with about 
fifteen men-at-arms, the enemy guarding it with 
pikes. Here they could not well be avoided as 
the causeway was narrow, and on one side was 
the canal, and on the other a deep ditch which 
could not be passed. All those with the Duke 
were thrown into the water or fell into the ditch, 
and the Duke's own horse was disabled. Where- 
upon he sprang to his feet, sword in hand, and 
never did Roland of Roncesvalles distinguish 
himself more. In vain his followers called out, 
'^ It is our viceroy, the brother of our Queen." 
He fell covered with wounds, fourteen or fifteen 
on his face — good proof that the courageous 
Prince never turned his back. 

So died Gaston de Foix, Duke de Nemours, 
still very young, but distinguished by a most 
promising and most brilliant career, not unlike 
altogether Napoleon's early military life. He was 



134 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

known as '^the thunderbolt of Italy." His fault 
was a recklessness of human life, but this was 
a fault perhaps more of the age than of the man, 
and the name of Gaston de Foix has been 
handed down as one of the brightest ornaments 
of French chivalry. So ended that cruel battle, 
sustained with the utmost fury on either side — 
a battle that marred the peace of Easter Sunday, 
April nth, 1512. 

When Bayard and the rest of the French 
returned to their camp it was four o'clock, the 
battle having begun about eight in the morning. 
The victory of Ravenna was, however, more 
fatal to the French than to their enemies ; for 
on account of the death of their young hero, 
Gaston de Foix, the soldiers became dis- 
heartened, and the officers were divided and 
lost interest in the war. It was a victory 
certainly for the French — but too dearly 
bought. 

The next day Ravenna was pillaged by the 
common soldiers and the lansquenets. It was 
intended to advance farther if the Duke had 
lived, but the Venetians and the Swiss threatened 
Milan. So it was necessary to return there. 
The Duke was buried in the Cathedral at Milan 
with great military pomp, and in the presence 
of an immense number of mourners. Forty 
ensigns taken from the enemy were trailed on 



RAVENNA 135 

the ground before the bier, while the Duke's 
own ensigns and banners were held upright 
and floated on the breeze, as if to show that they 
had humbled the others in the dust. 



CHAPTER XVI 

HENRY VIII. 

^1 T'E must now pass on to the next year, 

^ ^ except for one incident which took place 

at the close of this war in Italy, just before the 

French troops were disbanded. 

Bayard, while guarding a bridge of boats 

at Pavia, received a bad wound from a falconet 

or small cannon, which tore the flesh between 

the neck and the shoulder. He was thought to 

be killed, but he declared the wound was 

nothing, painful as it must have been with its 

rude dressing of moss taken from the trees. 

Just after this, the French army, or the 

greater part of it, re-crossed the mountains to 

return to France, and Bayard went to Grenoble 

to visit his uncle, the good Bishop, who had 

given him such a good start in his career, and 

whom he had not seen for a long time. He was 

one of the best of prelates, and he welcomed his 

nephew with delight, and lodged him at the 

episcopal palace where he was treated ^' as a 

136 



HENRY VIII. 137 

jewel in gold." The ladies came from all the 
parts around to see him, and did not spare his 
praises, much to his confusion. During the 
time he was there, he was taken with a fever, 
partly from his wound and partly from the 
effects of the terrible fatigues he had under- 
gone, and for seventeen days his life was 
despaired of He, poor man, bewailed himself 
most piteously in his delirium, mingling with 
his lamentations many regrets that he was 
spared at Brescia, and not allowed to fall 
with the Duke of Nemours on the field of 
Ravenna, but was to die in his bed "like a 
maid." There was heard also a note of religion 
and resignation to God's will, not without many 
a prayer for the pardon of his sins. Tortured 
by the burning fever, he addressed Saint 
Anthony, appealing to him to release him by 
death, and reminding him, as it were, of how he 
had saved one of the houses dedicated to him, 
occupying it himself to protect it. His delirious 
complaints were so heart-rending that all around 
him wept. His uncle, the Bishop, spent his 
days in prayer for his nephew, and not only he, 
but all the nobles, merchants, citizens, and the 
religious orders both of men and women united 
in supplications for the good Chevalier. The 
fever gradually abating, he began to be able to 
sleep and to eat, and after three weeks of carefu 1 



138 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

nursing, he recovered and was as well as he had 
ever been. Then he began to walk out near the 
town, to visit his friends, and to be entertained. 

He stayed some time longer in Dauphiny, and 
then crossed the Pyrenees to join the Lord de la 
Palice. The King of Arragon wished to deprive 
the King of Navarre of his kingdom, and the 
French troops, or some of them, now returned 
from Italy, were besieging Pampeluna. But 
before attacking it, it was necessary to take a 
small castle in the neighbourhood. This task 
fell to Bayard's lot, and he thus accomplished 
it — he caused it to be scaled by ladders, and 
surprised the enemy by appearing in the very 
place he intended to take and hold. But Pam- 
peluna could not be taken, and the French force 
being decimated by hunger, was forced to re- 
cross the Pyrenees, and abandon their artillery. 
Bayard, ever the foremost to go forward and 
the last to go back, was compelled to put up 
with the retreat as best he could. That same 
year saw the death of the warlike Pope, Julius 
II., and his place taken by the Cardinal de 
Medicis, under the name of Leo X. 

In the year 15 13 the King of France learnt 
that the King of England, Henry VIII., had 
allied himself to the Emperor Maximilian, and 
landed at Calais with a large army. The English 



HENRY VIII. 139 

besieged the fortress of Therouanne, but Henry 
did not arrive till some days afterwards, and was 
very nearly taken prisoner at a village between 
Calais and Therouanne. The French, who 
almost captured him, were a body of cavalry. 
Indeed they had no infantry, while the King of 
England had large bodies of infantry but no 
horsemen. These advanced to within a cannon- 
shot of each other, and Bayard over and over 
again urged an attack, saying to the governor 
of Picardy, that they would win the day on 
account of their horses ; but the governor 
answered that he had the King's orders only to 
act on the defensive, and not to engage in battle. 
Thus the matter rested, and the King of England 
and his band passed by under the noses of the 
French. Bayard did make a charge on their 
rear-guard with his company, and captured a 
piece of artillery called Saint John. The King 
had eleven other such pieces, and he called them 
his twelve apostles. 

King Henry was joined at Therouanne by 
the Emperor Maximilian, and then ensued a 
battle, known as the battle of Spurs, in which 
the French were much blamed, but according 
to the Loyal Serviteur, unjustly ; for their 
orders were only to re-victual Therouanne, 
and that if the enemy were found to be too 
strong they were to retire. However, when 



140 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

the order to retreat was given, the French go t 
from a trot into a gallop, and everything was 
thrown into disorder, spite of the efforts of La 
PaHce and others to stop the stampede. Every 
one rushed to the camp where the artillery and 
infantry were. 

Bayard with some fifteen men-at-arms en- 
deavoured to make a stand where a small bridge 
crossed a mill-stream, but so many troops came 
up and surrounded them that it was impossible 
as even Bayard allowed, for he said — 

'' Surrender to these gentlemen, for our 
prowess will not help us. Our horses are 
spent, we are one to their ten, and if we wait, 
the English archers will cut us to pieces." 

As he spoke the Burgundians came up and 
charged them, and they surrendered, and each 
man tried to get a prisoner. While this was going 
on. Bayard perceived a young man quietly rest- 
ing under some small trees, with his helmet laid 
aside, and too exhausted by the heat to trouble 
himself about prisoners. Bayard rode straight 
up to him, and putting his sword to his throat 
said, ''Surrender, man-at-arms, or you are a 
dead man." 

The gentleman was utterly taken aback, for 
he thought they had all been captured. However, 
being in fear of death, he replied, " I yield, then, 
since I am caught in this way. Who are you ? " 



HENRY VIII. 141 

*'l am Captain Bayard, who surrenders to 
you. Here is my sword, I beg of you to take 
me with you, and if any English attack us on 
the way, I trust you will return me my sword." 

The gentleman promised, andhekept his word. 
Bayard was taken to his tent, in the camp of the 
King of England, and was well treated. On the 
fifth day of his imprisonment, Bayard said — 

'^ Sir, I should be very glad if you would 
escort me to the camp of my master the King, 
for I begin to weary of being here." 

'' How so," said the other, '' since we have 
not yet spoken of your ransom?" 

*' Of my ransom ! You have not yet spoken 
of yours, you mean ; for you are my prisoner, 
and it is only after I had your parole that I 
surrendered to you, solely to save my life." 

The gentleman was much astonished, and 
Bayard added — 

" Sir, if you do not keep your word, I am sure 
that I shall escape, but rest assured that after- 
wards I shall fight with you." 

The gentleman knew not what to reply. He 
had heard enough of Captain Bayard not to wish 
to fight with him, and as he was a courteous 
knight, he said — 

" My Lord of Bayard, I only wish to do what 
is reasonable. I will report it to the captains 
and be guided by them." 



142 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

It must be understood that it was impossible 
to hide the fact that Bayard was in the camp, 
and, to hear his enemies, one would have thought 
they had gained a battle. The Emperor sent to 
seek him, and caused him to be conducted to his 
quarters, where he gave him a gracious reception, 
saying— 

^' Captain Bayard, my friend, I have great 
pleasure in seeing you. Would to God I had 
many men like you ! I should not be long before 
I avenged the tricks which your master has played 
me in the past. I think in former days we have 
been at war together, and I believe it used to be 
said that Bayard never fled." 

^' Had I done so, sire, I should not be here now." 

Thereupon the King of England entered, 
not the heavy figure of the Henry VHI. of later 
days, but the handsomest man in England in 
the heyday of his youth. He greeted Bayard 
heartily, and began to speak of the retreat of the 
French, saying he had never seen men fly so 
quickly and in such numbers as the French on 
that day, although only pursued by four or five 
hundred horsemen. The Emperor also rallied 
him with good-natured malice. 

^'On my soul," said Bayard, ^^no reproach 
can be levelled at the men-at-arms of France, 
for they were expressly told not to fight. You 
know, high and puissant Lords, that the nobility 




"sire, I DO NOT OWN THAT, AND I WOULD LAY THE MATTER BEFORE THE EMPEROR 

AND YOURSELF "' 



HENRY VIII. 143 

of France is renowned throughout the world. I 
do not say I am of the number." 

^' Truly, my Lord of Bayard/' said the King, 
" if all were like you, the siege before this town 
would soon be raised; still you are my prisoner." 

'' Sire, I do not own that, and I would lay the 
matter before the Emperor and yourself" 

He then detailed exactly what had happened, 
and the gentleman did not contradict him, but 
said, " It is all just as my Lord of Bayard says." 

The Emperor and the King looked at each 
other, and the Emperor said that in his opinion 
Bayard was not a prisoner, but that the gentle- 
man was his. However, after courtesies ex- 
changed, neither was bound by his parole, and 
Bayard could go if it pleased the King of 
England. Henry consented to this, and de- 
manded his parole not to take arms for six 
weeks, adding that in the meantime he could 
go and visit Flanders. 

Bayard thanked the King of England and the 
Emperor for their kindness, and went into the 
country till the appointed day. While he was 
thus debarred from fighting, Henry made 
advances to him to get him into his own 
service, but he wasted his time, for Bayard's 
heart was all French. 

Therouanne was taken, and Tournay after 
that, and then winter stopped the war. 



CHAPTER XVII 

FRANCIS I. 

/^N the first day of the year 15 15, Louis XII. 
^^ died. His health had long been failing. 
His wife, to whom he was much attached, died 
the year before, and he married a young bride, 
Mary of England, who caused him to alter his 
usual hours — which may have accelerated his 
death. He had been in the habit of dining at 
eight in the morning, and going to bed at six in 
the evening. Now, in place of this, he adopted 
the late fashionable hour of noon for dinner, and 
would remain up at dances and festivities till 
midnight. His death was much lamented by his 
subjects, towards whom he was always kind and 
just, and with whom he earned the title of ^' The 
Father of his People." He left no son, and the 
nearest heir to the throne was his cousin, Francis 
Count of Angouleme. 

Francis I. was the gayest and most courageous 
of princes, handsome, liberal, magnificent, frank 

and courteous, brave as a lion, expert in all the 

144 



FRANCIS I. 145 

exercises of the tilt-yard, and twenty years old 
when he became King of France. Truly a 
veritable King of Romance ! 

Soon after his coronation at St. Denis, and 
his splendid entry into Paris, he secretly 
organized an expedition to re-conquer his Duchy 
of Milan. Bayard was sent in advance, while 
the French army crossed the Alps with incredible 
rapidity, by a path not hitherto tried. Prosper 
Colonna, the Lieutenant-General of the Pope, 
was at Villafranca, where he thought himself 
quite safe from the French, unless indeed they 
had flown over the mountains. So he imagined 
he only had to deal with Bayard and the few 
men-at-arms who accompanied him, and he said 
he would take him like a pigeon in a cage. 
However, it was he himself who was the pigeon, 
for he was taken prisoner at Villafranca — an 
exploit chiefly accomplished by the bravery of 
Bayard. 

The King of France was delighted at the 
capture of Prosper Colonna. He advanced his 
army as quickly as possible and arrived at Turin, 
where he was well received by his uncle, the 
Duke of Savoy. The Swiss who guarded the 
passes, on hearing that Colonna was taken, 
retired towards Milan, and the whole affair 
might have been settled by treaty, had not the 
Cardinal de Sion, an inveterate enemy of France, 



146 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

preached so forcibly that the}' left Milan and 
attacked the French King's camp. The Constable 
de Bourbon, who led the advanced guard, began 
the battle, warning the King, who was at supper. 
Francis rushed away from the table to encounter 
the enemy, who were already skirmishing with 
his men. These skirmishes lasted some time 
before the fight began in earnest. 

The Constable de Bourbon and Ba3^ard were 
stopped in their attack by nightfall, and in the 
meantime the young King was in the midst of 
hard fighting till the opposing parties could no 
longer distinguish one another. He ran great 
personal risk, for his casque was pierced through 
and through by a pike. All that night the 
French remained on the alert, and Francis 
took his share in the hardships as the meanest 
of his soldiers might have done, ready for action, 
as well they might be; for it was the night 
before Marignan. 

The Swiss renewed the battle at break of 
day, but found the French well prepared to 
receive them. For three or four hours both 
sides fought splendidly, but at last the Swiss 
were dispersed and vanquished, and great 
numbers lay dead on the field. The rest 
retreated along the great road to Milan, 
harassed the while by sword-blows from the 
French and also from a Venetian contingent 



FRANCIS I. 147 

which came up. So ended the battle of Marignan, 
September 13th, 15 15. The veteran TrivulziO; 
who had been in eighteen pitched battles, said 
they were all child's play in comparsion with 
thiS; which he called ^' the battle of the giants." 

This victory gave Francis for a time the 
possession of Milan which he so much desired. 
The evening of this day of triumph for the 
young King was joyfully kept in his camp, 
all honour was accorded to him, and to many 
others; but it was universally allowed that 
Bayard had shown himself more than equal to 
the renown he had so often won before. A very 
great and peculiar honour was paid him by his 
youthful Sovereign. Francis wished to receive 
from him the accolade of knighthood. It was 
given on the field of Marignan by the champion 
to whom, in the two days' contest, universal 
consent attributed the greatest valour, and the 
new knight (the King) in his turn bestowed a 
similar honour on one of his bravest followers. 

Four years later the Emperor Maximilian 
died, and was succeeded by his grandson, the 
celebrated Charles V. ; but as will be remem- 
bered, Francis was also a candidate for the 
imperial dignity, and was far from pleased when 
Charles was elected. 

Soon afterwards the governor of Sedan, who 



1^8 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

was in the service of France, invaded the 
Emperor's territory, and a large army was sent 
against him which took one town, and another, 
Mezieres, a fortified town on the Meuse, was 
threatened. Francis ordered Bayard to proceed 
thither, saying he knew no man in whom he had 
more trust, and that he hoped he would guard it 
well, till he himself was able to re-assemble his 
troops and check the Emperor's movements. 
Needless to say. Bayard joyfully received the 
order, and went to Mezieres forthwith. He 
found the place ill prepared to withstand a siege, 
which might begin any moment. He at once 
caused ramparts to be raised, and there was not 
a man-at-arms, nor a foot soldier whom he did 
not set to work ; while he laboured himself, and 
encouraged them with the words, "We have 
ditch, wall, and rampart, and I think that before 
our foes set foot thereon, many will sleep in the 
ditch." He inspired his men with such courage 
that they felt they were in the strongest place in 
the world. 

Two days afterwards the siege began in two 
places, one on one side of the river, and one on 
the other, the commanders being respectively 
the Count de Nassau and Franz de Sickingen 
(this celebrated German knight is said to have 
been the original of Albert Durer's picture, 
" The Knight of Death "). 



FRANCIS I. 149 

The following day the Germans sent a herald 
to Bayard to represent to him that he could not 
save the town, and that they would be grieved 
to take it by assault from one so renowned; and 
that, if he would listen to reason, they would 
make such good terms with him as to content 
him. Bayard listened, and smiled, and answered 
without consulting any one — 

'' Friend, I am surprised at the graciousness 
of my Lords of Nassau and von Sickingen, who 
so regard my person, but with whom I have 
never had much to do. Tell them that the King, 
my master, has many in this kingdom more able 
than myself to guard this town, but that he has 
confided it to me, and by God's aid I will defend 
it till your masters are more weary of besieging 
than I am of being besieged. You can add that 
I am no child to be put off with words." 

Then he ordered the herald to be well en- 
tertained, and conducted out of the town, and 
in due time Bayard's answer was reported to 
the two commanders. There happened to be 
present with them a gentleman of Picardy who 
had served with Bayard in Italy, and he said 
aloud— 

" Do not expect, my Lords, to enter Mezieres 
as long as the Lord of Bayard lives. I know 
him ; he has led me to battle many a time. He 
is one that, if he had with him the greatest 



150 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

cowards in the world, he would make them 
brave. Be assured all those with him will die 
in the breach, and he the foremost of them, 
before we set foot in that town. I would rather 
there were two thousand more men in the place 
than Bayard in person." 

^' Captain Bayard is neither steel nor iron, for 
all his valour. Let him show it, for in four days* 
time he will be so bombarded that he will not 
know where to turn." 

" We shall see what happens," said the man 
from Picardy, '^ but you will not take him as you 
think." 

Now Bayard was not only the bravest, but 
the most cunning of warriors, and he wished he 
could cause the division of von Sickingen to 
cross back to the other side of the water, as its 
present position was much annoying him. He 
wrote to the governor of Sedan in the following 
terms — 

^' My Lord, — I think you are aware I am 
besieged in this town on one side by the Count 
de Nassau, and on this side of the river by the 
Lord von Sickingen. 1 believe that six months 
ago you told me you desired to win the latter 
over to the service of our master, the King, 
which I would fain do, as he is a gallant man. 
Now, if you think it can be arranged, it must be 



FRANCIS 1. 151 

to-day rather than to-morrow. I shall be glad 
if he consents, but if he does not, I warn you 
that, within twenty-four hours, he and all his 
camp will be cut to pieces; for within three 
leagues there are twelve thousand Swiss, and 
eight hundred men-at-arms, who to-morrow at 
break of day will fall on his camp, and I shall 
make a sortie by one of his flanks, that he will 
be an able man if he escape. I wished to warn 
you, but I beg that the matter may be kept 
secret." 

When this letter was written Bayard found a 
peasant, and giving the man a crown, told him to 
take that letter to the governor of Sedan, and to 
tell him it was from Captain Bayard. 

The peasant departed. Now Bayard knew it 
would be impossible for him to avoid being 
taken by von Sickingen's men, which is exactly 
what happened when he was two bow-shots 
from the town. When von Sickingen read the 
letter he was very much astonished at its 
contents. He began to suspect it was through 
envy that the Count of Nassau had made him 
cross the river, so that he might get beaten ; for 
there was some jealousy between the two, and 
he exclaimed — 

" I know my Lord de Nassau seeks to ruin 
me, but it shall not be so." 



152 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

The drum beat the call to the standard, and 
made all ready to recross the river. When the 
Count of Nassau heard the noise, he sent to 
know what had happened, and when he was told 
von Sickingen was preparing to cross the river, 
he was stupefied, for it was almost like raising 
the siege. He sent a private friend to beg he 
would not move till they had talked together; 
but von Sickingen said — 

^'Tell your master I shall do nothing he 
requires, and that I shall not remain here to be 
butchered ; and if he prevents me from camping 
near him, we will try by fighting with whom the 
field shall rest." 

Never was man so completely bewildered as 
the Count ; however, he drew up his men in battle 
order so as not to be taken by surprise. In the 
meantime the other division passed over the 
river and ranged themselves in their turn. 
They had all the appearance of enemies, and the 
drums sounded furiously ! 

The poor man who had taken the letter 
escaped back into Mezieres, and excused himself 
for not having got to Sedan, and said that 
directly after the letter was taken, preparations 
for leaving the camp were made. Bayard 
shouted with laughter, as all had happened as he 
had foreseen. He went on the ramparts, and 
saw the two camps arrayed against each other. 



FRANCIS I. 153 

" By my faith," he said, '' if they will not begin 
to fight, I will." And he caused some cannons 
to be shot off, after which the quarrel calmed 
down and they all returned to their quarters. 

The next day they packed off and raised the 
siege without ever having given an assault^ but 
peace was not easily made between tr two 
commanders. So ended the siege of /^ezieres. 
Bayard had kept the enemy at ba/ for three 
weeks. During this time the Ki. '^^ had re- 
assembled his army, and re-took the town of 
Mouzon, where he gave Bayard a good reception 
and was never tired of praising him. He made 
him a knight of his Order (the Order of St. 
Michael) and gave him a hundred men to 
command. Then we gather that, just at this 
time, one of Bayard's brothers received a 
Bishopric, and the other a fine Abbey, given 
doubtless in return for the services of '' Pierre," 
the second brother of the four who lived together 
as boys in the castle in Dauphiny. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

THE DEATH OF BAYARD 

TN the year 1524 Francis had an army in Italy 
-*■ under the command of Admiral Bonnivet 
who, except for his physical courage, seems to 
have been deficient in the qualities necessary for 
a commander. It was by his orders that Bayard 
was sent with two hundred horsemen and some 
infantry to a village called Rebec, to harass 
the Milanese. Although the Chevalier never 
murmured at any commission given him, he did 
not approve of this, thinking it both dangerous 
and doubtful, and he expostulated, but to no 
purpose. 

On arriving at the village, he found it 
impossible to defend it without more men, and 
he wrote thus to the Admiral, but had no reply. 
The enemy, who were in large numbers in Milan, 
learnt through spies that Bayard was at Rebec 
with a small force. So they started near mid- 
night to surprise him. As it happened. Bayard 
was ill, having spent two or three nights in the 

154 



THE DEATH OF BAYARD 155 

open; depression may have followed upon the 
chill. At any rate he had to keep indoors, and 
though he had ordered his captains to set the 
watch and guard against surprise, they only half 
did so ; and because it rained a little, the watch 
had retired except for a few poor archers. 

The Spaniards (for they were again the enemy 
in Italy) marched onwards, each man having a 
shirt over his armour, so as to be better seen by 
night. They found no one till they came to the 
few archers who were keeping watch, and who 
fled crying '^Alarme!" but the enemy reached 
the barriers as soon as they did. Bayard, who 
always slept armed except for his cuirass, sprang 
up and mounted and went straight to the barrier 
with a few men, giving orders that all should join 
the main camp as soon as possible, he himself 
remaining till the last. Thus a retreat was 
effected without the French losing ten men. 
They were helped in this by the Spaniards 
being so bent on finding Bayard's lodging that 
they were dispersed all over the village. As 
may be imagined some strong words passed 
between Bayard and Admiral Bonnivet, and had 
they both lived there might have been serious 
consequences, for Bayard was. deeply grieved at 
his ill-fortune, though it was not his fault but the 
Admiral's. 

Soon after this the main army retreated, as 



156 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

there was much sickness and lack of provisions. 
Bayard, as he ever was in a retreat, was in the 
rear-guard. The French were pursued from 
stage to stage, and much harassed by Spanish 
skirmishers, but when they came to charge, they 
found themselves ever confronted by Bayard 
with a few men-at-arms who either drove them 
back, or at least made them rest quiet. The 
Spaniards ended by placing some small artillery 
on each side of a highway, across which bullets 
were constantly thrown. 

Bayard, as unmoved as if he had been in his 
own house, marched his men at a good pace 
along the road, himself with face always turned 
towards the enemy, sword in hand, the cause of 
more fear than a hundred others. But, so God 
willed it, a bullet struck him — there was no hope 
this time — his spine was broken. When he felt 
the blow, he cried, ^^ Jesus!'' and then ^^ Helas ! 
mon Dieii,je svds mort^ Then he took his sword 
by the hilt, 'as if it had been a cross, and said in 
Latin, '' Have mercy on me, O God, according to 
Thy great goodness." Then he nearly fell, but 
had sufficient strength to grasp his saddle-bow 
and remained till his steward came to lift him 
down and laid him under a tree. 

When the news spread through the two 
camps that Bayard was either killed or mortally 
wounded, all were exceedingly grieved, gentlemen 




WHEN HE FELT THE BLOW, HE CRIED " jfeuS ! " AND THEN " HELAS ! WON DIEU, JE SUIS 

MORT !" 



I 



THE DEATH OF BAYARD 157 

and common soldiers, French and Spaniards 
alike. Yes, the Spaniards too, who though they 
specially feared him, appreciated his humanity 
and generosity, and recognized that his death 
meant a loss to chivalry. One of the principal 
Spanish Captains, the ^Marquis of Pescara, came 
to see him and said — 

'^ . . I have never seen or known a knight 
that was your equal. And although I ought to 
be pleased to see you thus, as my master the 
Emperor has no more powerful enemy, yet 
considering the loss this day to all the chivalry 
in the world, I would give half of my possessions 
could it be otherwise. But since against Death 
there is no remedy, I pray Him Who has created 
us all in His likeness, that He will receive your 
soul into His keeping." 

Such regrets did the Marquis of Pescara 
and many other captains make over the pros- 
trate form of Bayard. Barely six men were 
there from the whole Spanish force who did not 
come in turn to see him. 

If his enemies treated him thus, the despair 
which reigned in the French camp can be 
imagined ; for Bayard was loved by all, and 
those of his own company were inconsolable. 
His serving-men were all benumbed with grief, 
and amongst them his poor steward, who had 
never left him (was this the Loyal Serviteur?) 



158 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

and to whom his master confessed himself before 
a priest arrived. So unhappy was he that his 
master tried to comfort him — 

'' Jacques, my friend, do not weep ; it is the 
will of God to take me from this world ; I have 
by His grace remained here long, and have 
received more goods and honours than were my 
due. My one regret in dying is that I have not 
done my duty as well as I ought, and I hoped if 
I had lived longer to have atoned for my past 
faults. But since it is so, I beg my Creator of 
His infinite compassion to have pity on my poor 
soul. I hope that through His great and in- 
comprehensible goodness He will not treat me 
with the rigour of justice. I beg of you, Jacques, 
my friend, to let no one move me from this place, 
for when I move I feel all the pain it is possible 
to feel without death— and that will take me 

soon." 

Before the Spaniards had come up, a Swiss 
Captain with five or six men were very anxious 
to move him on their pikes to a place of safety, 
where he would not fall into the hands of his 
enemies, but he, knowing what agony that would 
be, begged them to leave him to ''think of his 
conscience." The good provost of Paris had also 
come up, but both these friends had to leave 
him, to their great sorrow. 

Bayard lived for two or three hours, and a fine 



THE DEATH OF BAYARD 159 

pavilion was pitched for him by the Spaniards, 
and a priest was brought to whom he confessed 
most devoutly. And then — Pierre de Terail, the 
good Knight without fear and without reproach, 
breathed his last. 

Certain gentlemen were appointed by the 
leaders of the Spanish army to bear his body to 
the church, where solemn services were recited 
over him for two days. Then he was brought 
by his serving-men into Dauphiny, and wherever 
the procession stopped in passing through the 
lands of the Duke of Savoy, as much honour was 
paid him, as if he had been the Duke's brother. 
When the report of his death reached Dauphiny, 
the mourning there cannot be described. Pre- 
lates and Churchmen, Nobles and People, all 
equally shared in it. 

The funeral cortege was met, and conducted 
from church to church in great pomp to nearly 
as far as Grenoble, where, half a league from 
that city, it was met by all the chief people from 
there, and the body rested in the Church of 
Notre-Dame a day and a night. On the follow- 
ing day it was taken with the same honours to 
the monastery of the Minims, which was founded 
by his uncle, the good Bishop of Grenoble, and 
there he was buried. 

A further account of the mourning, and the 



158 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

and to whom his master confessed himself before 
a priest arrived. So unhappy was he that his 
master tried to comfort him — 

'^ Jacques, my friend, do not weep ; it is the 
will of God to take me from this world ; I have 
by His grace remained here long, and have 
received more goods and honours than were my 
due. My one regret in dying is that I have not 
done my duty as well as I ought, and I hoped if 
I had lived longer to have atoned for my past 
faults. But since it is so, I beg my Creator of 
His infinite compassion to have pity on my poor 
soul. I hope that through His great and in- 
comprehensible goodness He will not treat me 
with the rigour of justice. I beg of you, Jacques, 
my friend, to let no one move me from this place, 
for when I move I feel all the pain it is possible 
to feel without death—and that will take me 
soon." 

Before the Spaniards had come up, a Swiss 
Captain with five or six men were very anxious 
to move him on their pikes to a place of safety, 
where he would not fall into the hands of his 
enemies, but he, knowing what agony that would 
be, begged them to leave him to ''think of his 
conscience." The good provost of Paris had also 
come up, but both these friends had to leave 
him, to their great sorrow. 

Bayard lived for two or three hours, and a fine 



THE DEATH OF BAYARD 159 

pavilion was pitched for him by the SpaniardSj 
and a priest was brought to whom he confessed 
most devoutly. And then — Pierre de Terail, the 
good Knight without fear and without reproach, 
breathed his last. 

Certain gentlemen were appointed by the 
leaders of the Spanish army to bear his body to 
the church, where solemn services were recited 
over him for two days. Then he was brought 
by his serving-men into Dauphiny, and wherever 
the procession stopped in passing through the 
lands of the Duke of Savoy, as much honour was 
paid him, as if he had been the Duke's brother. 
When the report of his death reached Dauphiny, 
the mourning there cannot be described. Pre- 
lates and Churchmen, Nobles and People, all 
equally shared in it. 

The funeral cortege was met, and conducted 
from church to church in great pomp to nearly 
as far as Grenoble, where, half a league from 
that city, it was met by all the chief people from 
there, and the body rested in the Church of 
Notre-Dame a day and a night. On the follow- 
ing day it was taken with the same honours to 
the monastery of the Minims, which was founded 
by his uncle, the good Bishop of Grenoble, and 
there he was buried. 

A further account of the mourning, and the 



160 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

pomp of the funeral is not needful. Many and 
many have received similar honours from those 
of their own time, but Bayard's name has been 
handed down for over three centuries as an 
example of the essence of a true and noble 
knight. That is his real monument. Let us 
therefore glance at the final eulogy of his cha- 
racter, for it was not his deeds so much as his 
character which earned him this celebrity. 

He was a religious man. He loved and 
feared God above everything. He never swore 
or took His Holy Name in vain. He turned to 
Him in his difficulties, and never left his room 
without prayer. Often on cold winter nights he 
would rise to pray when those with him were 
sleeping. 

He was a generous man. If one of his 
soldiers lost his horse, he would be sure to give 
him another, and he would often exchange a 
valuable Spanish steed for a hack worth but six 
crowns, but which he would declare well suited 
his purpose. He would change a robe of velvet 
or satin for a small cloak. He was poor himself, 
but was as liberal as the greatest prince on earth ; 
for all he gained in war he gave away to those 
who had need. Besides, he gave to many 
privately without "bruiting" it about. When 
he was in a conquered country, he would always 
pay the man or woman where he lodged for 



THE DEATH OF BAYARD 161 

what he had had, although many times they 
would say — 

^^ My Lord, it is but waste to pay us, for when 
you are gone they will set the place on fire, and 
take what you have given." And he would 
answer — 

^' I do my duty. God has not placed me in the 
world to live by pillage and rapine." 

He was a truthful man, never a flatterer, 
always speaking the truth to whomsoever he was 
talking, whether he were a prince or some one 
quite inferior. No warrior knew better than he 
that nothing is gained by boasting. On the field 
of battle, no one so calm, but withal so gifted 
with the art of inspiring courage in others, that 
had he lived in these days we should have said he 
was possessed of a marvellous personality, which 
he exercised to the best advantage. 

In the words of his faithful Loyal Serviteur, 
"That he has been loved and honoured in his 
own country is no wonder, for he has been 
honoured by other nations. And this glory has 
not lasted one year or two years, but all his life, 
and it still lasts after his death. It is because 
the good life he has led deserves immortal 
renown. Never would he defend even his 
dearest friend against the right ; he often said 
that ' empires, kingdoms, and provinces without 
justice are forests full of brigands.' In warfare 

M 



162 THE STORY OF BAYARD 

he has always had three excellent qualities, 
which go to make a perfect knight, 'onset of 
greyhound, fence of boar, and flight of wolf.' . . . 
I have done the best I could, but not said all that 
was due to the glorious memory of so perfect a 
man as le bon Chevalier sans peur et sans reproche" 



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